In a five-goal thriller in the Russian Third Division B, Spartak Nalchik emerged with a dramatic 3-2 away victory over Kyzyltash Bakhchysarai on Saturday evening. The result was a crucial one for the visitors, who had to come from behind twice before a late winner sealed all three points.

A cagey start quickly turns open

Kyzyltash Bakhchysarai made a bright start in front of their home fans, taking the lead inside the first 20 minutes with a well-worked move down the left channel. The early advantage saw the hosts grow in confidence, and they began to dominate territory if not clear-cut chances. But Spartak Nalchik responded with patience, building through midfield and drawing level just before the half-hour mark with a precise finish from the edge of the area.

The equalizer changed the momentum, and both sides traded attacks as the half wound down. Kyzyltash struck again to regain the lead shortly before the interval, converting from a goalmouth scramble after a corner. It left the home side in front at the break in a match full of energy and end-to-end play.

Nalchik show character to turn it around

Spartak Nalchik knew they had to improve after the restart, and they did. The visitors began forcing the tempo and were level again in the 58th minute after a quick combination on the edge of the box resulted in a well-struck effort that the goalkeeper could only palm into the net. With the score at 2-2, the game became stretched as both teams pushed for a decisive goal.

The winner came in the 81st minute, and it belonged to Spartak Nalchik. A swift counter-attack caught the Kyzyltash defense undermanned, and a composed finish sent the traveling support into raptures. Kyzyltash pushed forward in the closing stages but was unable to find a third equalizer.

Match impact

• Spartak Nalchik: The away win lifts them higher in the RUS D3B standings and demonstrates the resilience that has been a hallmark of their recent run. It also improves their head-to-head record against Kyzyltash this season.
• Kyzyltash Bakhchysarai: Taking the lead twice and still walking away empty-handed will be a frustrating outcome. Their remaining fixtures will need to yield points if they are to keep pace in a crowded mid-table battle.

Key moments that decided the game

• Kyzyltash's first lead through an early left-side attack.
• Spartak Nalchik's quick equalizer just after the half-hour mark.
• A scrappy corner goal that restored Kyzyltash's edge before halftime.
• Nalchik's 58th-minute second equalizer to swing momentum fully.
• The counter-attacking winner in the 81st minute that completed the comeback.

Spartak Nalchik will take great confidence from this victory, having shown they can win away from home in difficult circumstances. Kyzyltash, meanwhile, will look to tighten up defensively after letting a valuable lead slip away.