FC Metalurgi Rustavi claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over FC Meshakhte Tkibuli in the Georgian Erovnuli Liga on Monday, 14 September 2026. The match, played under the lights at Tkibuli Central Stadium, was decided by a single second-half goal, leaving the home side to rue missed opportunities in a tense top-flight encounter.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Meshakhte Tkibuli looked to impose themselves on the game, using the width of their home pitch to stretch Metalurgi Rustavi's back four. The visitors, however, were well-organised and disciplined, happy to absorb pressure and hit on the break. The first half ended goalless, with both goalkeepers making routine saves but neither side able to find a clear-cut opening.

The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute when Metalurgi Rustavi's captain, Giorgi Kharaishvili, latched onto a through ball and calmly slotted past the onrushing goalkeeper. It was a goal that perfectly encapsulated the visitors' game plan: patient buildup followed by a clinical finish.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Meshakhte's Levan Kutalia heads over from a corner.
• 34th minute: Metalurgi goalkeeper Luka Silagadze tips a fierce drive over the bar.
• 67th minute: Giorgi Kharaishvili scores the only goal of the game for Metalurgi Rustavi.
• 82nd minute: Meshakhte appeal for a penalty, but the referee waves play on.
• 90+3 minute: A last-ditch block from Metalurgi's Temur Chogadze preserves the three points.

Tactical Story

Meshakhte Tkibuli lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to control possession through midfield. However, they struggled to break down a compact Metalurgi Rustavi side that defended in a deep 4-4-2 block. The visitors' midfield duo of Kharaishvili and Chogadze shielded the defence effectively, forcing Meshakhte to shoot from distance. On the rare occasions Metalurgi won the ball back, they transitioned quickly, and that approach ultimately yielded the winning goal.

Standout Players

Giorgi Kharaishvili (Metalurgi Rustavi): The captain led by example, scoring the winner and dictating play from midfield. His composure in front of goal was the difference.

Luka Silagadze (Metalurgi Rustavi): The goalkeeper made several important saves, particularly in the first half, to keep a clean sheet.

Levan Kutalia (Meshakhte Tkibuli): The home side's most dangerous outlet, he caused problems with his dribbling but lacked support in the box.

Season Impact

The victory lifts Metalurgi Rustavi to a more comfortable position in the Erovnuli Liga standings, keeping them in touch with the top half. For Meshakhte Tkibuli, this defeat leaves them hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, and they will need to convert possession into points quickly. The three points could prove crucial for Metalurgi come the end of the season, while Meshakhte must regroup ahead of a tough run of fixtures.