Динамо vs Ростов: Rain-soaked stalemate in Moscow

Goals in final three minutes see teams share points

A downpour in the Russian capital ensured a share of the spoils between FC Dynamo Moscow and FC Rostov on Sunday afternoon, as a wet and wild affair at the VTB Arena ended in a 1-1 draw. The result leaves both sides in the bottom half of the Russian Premier League table.

Dzyuba opens the scoring

Despite the weather, it was a lively start to the match, with both sides looking to take the lead. The first clear-cut chance fell to the hosts, when Daniil Fomin’s cross found Fedor Smolov, but the striker’s header was saved by Sergei Pesyakov. At the other end, Rostov’s Artyom Grigoryan saw his effort blocked by Roman Evgenyev.

The opening goal eventually came in the 37th minute, when Artem Dzyuba put Rostov ahead. The striker, who has been linked with a move to Zenit St. Petersburg, headed home from close range after a cross from the right.

Dynamo hit back late on

Dynamo pushed for an equaliser in the second half, but they were unable to break down a resolute Rostov defence. The hosts’ best chance came in the 65th minute, when Fomin’s shot was saved by Pesyakov.

However, Dynamo finally found a way through in the 87th minute. Substitute Konstantin Tyukavin’s header was saved by Pesyakov, but the ball fell to Denis Makarov, who tapped home from close range.

Late drama

There was still time for more drama, as Rostov thought they had won it in the 90th minute. Nikolai Komlichenko’s shot was saved by Anton Shunin, but the ball fell to Grigoryan, who fired home. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, and the match ended in a draw.

Reaction

Dynamo coach Sandro Schwartz said: “I am disappointed with the result, but I am proud of my players. We showed great character to come back from behind. We will learn from this and move on.”

Rostov coach Valery Karpin said: “We are happy with a point. We defended well and created chances. We are now looking forward to our next match.”