"SKA-Habarovsk" suffers defeat at the hands of "Urals", advancing them to the knockout rounds for a chance to compete in the Premier League next season.
FC Ural clinched a playoff spot in the First League following a convincing 3:1 victory over SKA-Khabarovsk at home in the final match of the season. The triumph, coupled with Sochi's loss to Chernomorets, secured Ural a fourth-place finish in the standings.
Heading into the match, Ural required a win and a slip-up from Sochi to secure a playoff berth. Ural dominated the proceedings, with Stanislav Bessmertny, Martin Sekulich, and Maxim Voronov scoring the decisive goals. Despite scoring a late penalty, SKA-Khabarovsk could not prevent a Ural triumph.
Meanwhile, Sochi led against Chernomorets but ultimately suffered a 1:2 defeat. As a result of Ural's victory and Sochi's loss, the Yekaterinburg-based club moved ahead of the southerners in the table. However, the identity of Ural's playoff opponent is yet to be determined. The outcome will depend on the final round of the Premier League and the resolution of Chernomorets' licensing issue. Should Chernomorets fail to secure a license, Sochi, who finished fifth in the First League, will join Ural in the playoff matches.
Earlier, 'Obskaya Gazeta' reported that Ural had defeated Ufa and kept their playoff aspirations alive.
Ural's victory in their match against SKA-Khabarovsk, coupled with Sochi's loss, not only secured Ural a fourth-place finish but also propelled them ahead in the standings, potentially earning them a spot in European-leagues football next season. If Chernomorets fail to secure a license, Sochi, currently fifth in the First League, will join Ural in the Premier League playoff matches, competing against the top teams for a chance to play in the Premier League.
