Merani Martvili produced a dominant away performance to dismantle Samtredia 4-1 at the Erosi Manjgaladze Stadium on 26 April 2026, a result that underlined their credentials as genuine promotion contenders in the Georgia Erovnuli Liga 2. The match, which kicked off at 20:00 local time, saw Merani Martvili showcase their attacking firepower and defensive solidity against a Samtredia side that struggled to contain them throughout the contest.

Match Overview

Merani Martvili seized control of the match from the opening whistle, pressing high and forcing Samtredia into errors in their own half. The visitors took the lead in the 12th minute when winger Giorgi Beriashvili cut inside from the right flank and fired a low shot that beat the Samtredia goalkeeper at his near post. The goal settled any early nerves and set the tone for what would become a one-sided affair.

Samtredia responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but this left them exposed at the back. Merani Martvili doubled their advantage in the 28th minute through a well-worked team move, with striker Lasha Gureshidze finishing a one-two combination with Irakli Kereselidze to slot home from inside the box. The home side's misery deepened just before half-time when Beriashvili scored his second of the night, converting a cross from the left with a clinical header.

Key Moments

• 12' Goal (0–1): Beriashvili cuts inside and fires low into the far corner for the opener.
• 28' Goal (0–2): Gureshidze finishes a neat one-two to double the advantage.
• 43' Goal (0–3): Beriashvili heads in from close range for his second and Merani's third.
• 57' Goal (0–4): Kereselidze slots a penalty after a handball in the box.
• 71' Goal (1–4): Samtredia's Luka Zhorzholiani scores a consolation with a deflected shot from outside the box.

Tactical Battle

Merani Martvili's coach deployed a high-pressing 4-3-3 that suffocated Samtredia's buildup play, particularly in the first half. The visitors' midfield trio of Giorgi Tsereteli, Irakli Kereselidze, and Tornike Pasikashvili dominated the central areas, winning second balls and quickly transitioning to attack. Samtredia, set up in a 4-4-2, were unable to establish any rhythm in midfield and often resorted to long balls that were easily dealt with by Merani's central defenders.

The second half saw Samtredia make tactical changes, shifting to a 3-5-2 in an attempt to match Merani's numbers in midfield. While this helped them enjoy more possession and eventually score a consolation goal, it also opened up space for Merani's counter-attacks, although the visitors were content to manage the game with a four-goal lead rather than push for further goals.

Standout Players

• Giorgi Beriashvili (Merani Martvili): The winger was unplayable at times, scoring two goals and providing the assist for the penalty. His movement and decision-making were exceptional.
• Irakli Kereselidze (Merani Martvili): Controlled the midfield tempo, scored from the spot, and created numerous chances with his incisive passing.
• Luka Zhorzholiani (Samtredia): Despite the heavy defeat, the midfielder worked tirelessly and scored a well-taken consolation goal that showcased his quality.

Table Impact

The victory keeps Merani Martvili in 2nd place in the Erovnuli Liga 2 standings, now with 38 points from 20 matches, just three points behind league leaders FC Gagra. The result consolidates their position in the promotion race, with automatic promotion spots being fiercely contested. For Samtredia, the defeat sees them drop to 11th place with 19 points, now only two points clear of the relegation zone and in serious danger of dropping to the third division.

Samtredia face a vital away fixture against fellow strugglers Kolkheti Poti next week, while Merani Martvili host mid-table side Gori as they continue their push for a return to the Georgia Erovnuli Liga top flight.