On March 1, 2025, Paris NN secured a notable victory against Akron, triumphing 2-1 at home during the 19th round of the Russian Premier League (RPL). This match marked the resumption of the league for both teams, with Paris NN previously placed 12th and Akron at 9th on the league table.
The match unfolded dramatically as Paris NN struck early, with goals from newcomers Vjačeslav Grulev and Alexander Koksharov just minutes apart at the 48th and 50th minutes, respectively. Grulev capitalized on defensive lapses, putting his team on the scoreboard first. Koksharov followed suit, giving Paris NN what appeared to be a comfortable lead.
Akron, undeterred by the quick succession of goals, maintained pressure and found hope when star forward Artem Dzyuba scored his team's only goal at the 70th minute, bringing the score to 2-1. Dzyuba’s goal came from a corner kick, showcasing his aerial prowess as he connected well with the cross to net his 233rd career goal, thereby tying the record of former star Alexander Kerzhakov as the highest goal-scorer among Russian footballers.
Following the match, Paris NN's sporting director, Alexander Udaltsev, reflected positively on the performance, stating, "We understood it would be a tough game. Akron is an organized team with good players. It was critically important for us to take exactly three points. We deserved to win, we played the best." His acknowledgment of Akron's competitive edge emphasized the quality of play seen throughout the match.
On the other hand, Dzyuba’s impressive performance did not overshadow the defeat. He expressed mixed emotions, pondering the significance of his record-breaking goal alongside the sting of the loss. "I’ll be proud of this record later, but for now, we lost," Dzyuba stated, reflecting on the nuances of personal achievement versus team results.
Viktor Goncharenko, head coach of Paris NN, praised his team's effort and determination. "The coach always has some dissatisfaction with something. We have become stronger, more powerful physically. We understand all games will be tough. There is time to enjoy this victory, and then we prepare for the next matches," he noted during his post-match comments. His remarks signal the team's focus on continuing improvement as they aim to climb higher up the league table.
This victory places Paris NN, now with 19 points, solidly at 10th place, with Akron holding firm at 9th with 22 points. The match served as important groundwork as both teams look to navigate their mid-season strategies effectively, especially with playoffs looming nearer on the horizon.
With strong performances from both sides, the match underscored the competitive nature of the RPL, where every point counts as teams vie for playoff positioning. Paris NN's next fixture falls on March 9, when they face off against another challenging opponent. Conversely, Akron will also aim to recoup their standing as the season progresses.
Fans can catch future matches on channels like MATCH TV, ensuring they remain engaged with the thrilling sports action of Russian football.