CSKA Moscow secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Pari Nizhny Novgorod in the 29th round of the Russian Premier League (RPL), with two late goals turning the match around after trailing until the 88th minute.
The hosts took the lead through Daniil Lesovoy in the 44th minute. CSKA responded with a stunning late surge: Danila Kozlov equalized in the 88th minute, and 18-year-old Imran Firov sealed the victory in the 90th minute.
Both Kozlov, 21, and Firov scored their debut goals for CSKA in this match. Firov also provided an assist, recording a “goal + assist” in his first RPL appearance. According to Opta, he became the youngest player to achieve that feat in an RPL debut since statistical tracking began in 2009, breaking the record previously held by 19-year-old Sekou Oliseh (CSKA) from October 2009.
The win ended CSKA’s five-match winless streak in the league, which included losses to Sochi and Zenit, as well as draws against Krylya Sovetov, Rostov, and Rubin. It was also their first victory under interim head coach Dmitry Igdisamov.
With 48 points, CSKA climbed to fourth place in the RPL standings, while Pari Nizhny Novgorod remained 15th with 22 points, just above the relegation zone. In the final round on May 17, CSKA will host Lokomotiv Moscow, and Pari NN will face Rubin Kazan away.
