FC Sochi Overcome SKA Khabarovsk in Seven-Goal Friendly Thriller

FC Sochi edged out SKA Khabarovsk 4-2 in an entertaining international club friendly played at the Fisht Olympic Stadium on 30 June 2026. The match, which featured seven goals, served as a valuable pre-season test for both Russian First League sides.

Match Summary

Sochi started brightly and took the lead inside the first ten minutes when winger Artur Yusupov cut inside and fired into the far corner. SKA Khabarovsk responded quickly, equalising through a powerful header from defender Ivan Solovyov from a corner. However, Sochi regained the lead before half-time when striker Dmitry Vorobyov converted a penalty after a handball in the box.

The second half saw both teams pushing for goals. Sochi extended their lead to 3-1 when midfielder Nikita Burmistrov finished a swift counter-attack in the 54th minute. SKA pulled one back with a long-range strike from Aleksandr Gagloev, but Sochi sealed the win with a fourth goal: a close-range finish from substitute Ivan Ignatiev in the 82nd minute.

Tactical Story

Sochi’s high pressing game forced SKA into errors, particularly in the first half. SKA’s 4-4-2 formation initially struggled to contain Sochi’s fluid attacking trio, but they grew into the match after the break. The friendly allowed both coaches to experiment with rotations, with Sochi making six substitutions and SKA five.

Key Moments

• 8’ – Yusupov opens the scoring with a clinical finish.
• 22’ – Solovyov heads home for SKA to level.
• 41’ – Vorobyov scores from the penalty spot.
• 54’ – Burmistrov makes it 3-1.
• 67’ – Gagloev’s powerful strike reduces the deficit.
• 82’ – Ignatiev’s tap-in completes the scoring.

Standout Players

Sochi’s Artur Yusupov was a constant threat down the left flank, creating three chances aside from his goal. For SKA Khabarovsk, midfielder Vladislav Kamilov provided energy in the middle and won several tackles.

The result gives Sochi a morale boost ahead of the new season, while SKA will take positives from their fighting spirit and attacking intent.