Spartak Kostroma 0-1 FC Ufa: Late Drama Hands Ufa Vital Away Win

Match date: 16 May 2026 | Competition: Russian First League

FC Ufa snatched a precious 1-0 victory away to Spartak Kostroma thanks to a late strike from substitute Artem Golubev in the 83rd minute. The result breathes new life into Ufa’s promotion ambitions, while Spartak Kostroma will feel hard done by after a disciplined defensive display for most of the match.

The game was a tight, tactical affair with few clear chances. Spartak Kostroma sat deep and looked to hit on the counter, while Ufa dominated possession but struggled to break through a well‑organised backline. The home side’s best opportunity came in the 31st minute when forward Nikita Kovalchuk forced a sharp save from Ufa goalkeeper Aleksandr Belenov.

Key Moments

• Scoring Summary: 0-1 Artem Golubev (83’)
• Possession: Spartak Kostroma 42% – 58% Ufa
• Shots on target: Spartak 2 – 4 Ufa

Tactical Story

Ufa manager Sergei Tomarov introduced Golubev in the 60th minute to add more creativity in the final third. The move paid off when Golubev collected a pass on the edge of the box, shifted the ball onto his right foot, and curled a precise shot into the bottom corner. Spartak pushed forward in the closing stages but could not find an equaliser.

FC Ufa climb to fourth in the Russian First League table, four points off the automatic promotion places with seven games remaining. Spartak Kostroma remain in mid‑table but have now lost two of their last three home matches, a worrying trend.

For Ufa, this gritty win on the road could prove crucial as the season enters its decisive phase. The squad celebrated wildly at the final whistle, aware of how vital those three points could be.