Rotor Volgograd vs Neftekhimik

R. Volgograd were made to pay for missed chances as Neftekhimik snatched a narrow away win despite being second best for long spells. The hosts dominated territory and possession all afternoon, but couldn't turn control into goals, and the visitors struck when it counted. The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute, when defender Platon Platonov found the net to put Neftekhimik ahead. It proved decisive. The rest of the game was scrappy rather than spectacular — six players across both sides picked up yellow cards, including Platonov himself, but there were no reds and no penalties. R. Volgograd ended up with 66% possession and nine shots to Neftekhimik's five, but four attempts on target weren't enough. For R. Volgograd, mid-table and stuck in a rut, it's another frustrating result. For Neftekhimik, who'd lost three straight, it's a much-needed win to ease the pressure near the bottom.