Rotor Volgograd vs SKA Khabarovsk

R. Volgograd edged past SKA Khabarovsk 1-0 at home in a tight FNL clash that stayed goalless for long stretches before a late spot-kick settled things. The hosts were the sharper side for much of the night, but it took until deep in the second half for that pressure to pay off. The breakthrough came in the 80th minute, when Khubulov stepped up and converted a penalty to send the home crowd into celebration. It proved to be the only goal of the game, with SKA Khabarovsk unable to find a response in the closing stages despite pushing for an equalizer. It's a result that matters plenty in the early rounds of the season. R. Volgograd pick up a confidence-boosting win at home, while SKA Khabarovsk leave Volgograd empty-handed and still searching for their footing early in the campaign.