Orenburg Breaks Losing Streak With Last-Minute Victory Over Fakel
Orenburg, struggling against relegation, finally found redemption as they faced Fakel on March 15, 2025, at the Gazovik Stadium. This match, labeled \"El-Plastico\" due to both teams playing on artificial turf, ended dramatically with Orenburg clinching their first victory since early December through a last-minute own goal by Fakel’s defense.
The match’s atmosphere was tense, reflecting the precarious positions of both teams. Leading up to the match, Orenburg had been enduring a dismal stretch with eight consecutive losses, placing them at the bottom of the Russian Premier League table with only eight points. Fakel, conversely, was on their own tough streak, having not won any of their last eight matches and currently sitting just above Orenburg with 14 points.
Kickoff was set for noon Moscow time, with live broadcasts available on the MATCH PREMIER channel starting at 11:00. Fans could also tune in online, as the game was streamed live for those within Russia. Before the match, both teams announced their starting lineups, eager for redemption.
Through the first half of the match, neither team managed to find the back of the net. Orenburg had several opportunities, but poor finishing hampered their efforts. What became the turning point of the match occurred during the 53rd minute when Mertens of Fakel received a straight red card, leaving his team one player short.
Despite playing with the man advantage, Orenburg struggled to capitalize on their numerical superiority. A notable moment for Fakel came when Bashich hit the crossbar, reminding both teams how finely balanced the match remained. Orenburg's missed chance left the home crowd anxious as Lomovitsky missed what seemed to be a guaranteed goal.
With the clock ticking down, tension mounted. After multiple attempts on goal through the second half, it seemed the game would end scoreless. But, with just seconds remaining, Orenburg caught their break. Khazayev scored after Fakel's defense failed to clear the ball, resulting in what would be known as the own goal of the season when the ball ricocheted off one of Fakel’s defenders. The crowd erupted—this unexpected twist meant Orenburg secured their first win since their early season struggles began.
Referee Artem Lyubimov was active throughout the match, especially with VAR playing its part. A disallowed goal from Orenburg's Savelev earlier in the game for foul play had left the home side frustrated. Yet it was the referee’s decision late on to grant the last-minute goal to Orenburg, which secured the victory.
Post-match, Orenburg's coach, Vladimir Slishkovich, expressed relief and pride, noting, \"It was hard-fought, and the team showed resilience when it mattered. Our fans needed this win.\" He hoped this match could serve as restarting the team’s ambitions to escape the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, interviews with players at halftime included insights from Orenburg’s Aleksey Kashtanov, who mentioned the importance of scoring first and holding solid defense. \"It will be tough for both sides,\" he stated, reinforcing how tight-knit matches tend to be at this level.
The significance of the match resonates far beyond just points; it is also key to mental confidence for Orenburg’s squad moving forward. This victory gives them something to build on, though they remain at the bottom of the table. Fans can only hope the first victory will ignite their struggling side.
Orenburg fans were encouraged to support their team not just with attendance but also through the pre-match initiative encouraging patrons to bring recyclable plastic bottles to the stadium for tickets to future matches as part of their dedication to community and environment.
Meanwhile, as the season progresses, both teams will need to reassess strategies. Fakel, still unable to secure victory this season, will need to regroup quickly as their next matches come thick and fast. Orenburg, now with renewed spirit, might have stumbled upon the formula to return to form—sustained hard work, commitment to development, and the unwavering support of their fans.
This match marks not just victory for Orenburg but echoes encouragement across the league: every match counts as teams battle for survival and honor, especially near the end of the season.