Minsk’s “RCOR-BGU” might not have been as formidable an opponent as “Belshina” from Bobruisk. In the last round, the “students” brilliantly defeated “Slavia” from Mozyr 3:1, earning a chance to avoid relegation from the elite division through play-off matches against our team. It is noteworthy that the teams met in the cup competition this year, and “Vitebsk” won at home with a score of 1:0. Let’s remember these figures.
The draw determined that the first match would take place in the capital, and the second in the regional centre. The Minsk match proved challenging in many respects. The frozen pitch and sub-zero temperatures frankly ruined the football. After an early sending-off for the hosts, “Vitebsk” had more possession, took shots on goal more frequently, and earned more corners, but this did not translate into goals. “RCOR–BGU” would not have been particularly pleased with a draw before the match, but after the red card, it was an acceptable result.
On Saturday, the confrontation moved to the city on the Dvina. Even colder weather outside forced the management of our team to make the difficult decision to move the match from its usual venue to the air-supported arena. Its seating capacity is only 300 spectators, so many football fans were warned in advance that they would not be able to attend the match. However, our team was not left without support – albeit not in full numbers, the fans actively urged the Vitebsk players forward.
Already at the end of the fifth minute, the fans’ vocal cords were tested for the first time. A visiting defender played carelessly in his penalty area against Yan Skibsky, and the referee pointed to the 11-metre mark. Ruslan Teverov immediately took the ball and showed everyone that he would be the one to take the penalty. The Vitebsk forward’s shot was flawless in both power and accuracy.
After scoring, the hosts launched several more memorable attacks, but failed to score. The most notable chances were missed by the aforementioned Yan Skibsky and Ruslan Teverov. The price for their profligacy was almost paid in the 61st minute, but the visiting Kazakh legionary Abinur Narymbet failed to properly connect with the ball just metres from an open goal. Seven minutes before the end of regular time, Ruslan Teverov himself missed a golden opportunity against the opponent.