In an entertaining and closely contested international club friendly, Khimik Dzerzhinsk edged out FK Oryol in a 3-2 victory on home soil. The match, played on March 16, 2026, at 18:30, provided a valuable preseason workout for both sides, with Khimik ultimately holding on for a narrow win after a late surge from the visitors. The result, while carrying no league implications, offers a confidence boost for the Dzerzhinsk squad as they continue their preparations for the domestic season ahead. The home side started brightly and were rewarded with an early goal, establishing control of the match. They doubled their advantage before the interval, capitalizing on a period of sustained pressure to take a comfortable lead into halftime. However, FK Oryol emerged from the break with renewed purpose, pulling a goal back early in the second half to set up a tense finale. Khimik Dzerzhinsk restored their two-goal cushion with a well-worked team move, seemingly sealing the match. Yet, Oryol refused to capitulate, scoring a second with just minutes remaining to ensure a nervy finish. The home defense, however, stood firm in the dying moments to secure the win. The friendly nature of the fixture was evident, with both managers making numerous substitutions to assess their squads. The Khimik manager expressed satisfaction with his team's attacking fluidity in the first hour, while his Oryol counterpart highlighted the positive reaction from his players after going behind.