Chelyabinsk vs Spartak Kostroma

Spartak Kostroma stole all three points away from Chelyabinsk on Saturday, winning 1-0 in an entertaining round 10 clash. A single early strike from the visitors proved decisive, as Chelyabinsk pushed hard for an equalizer but couldn't break down a well-drilled defense despite dominating possession. David Karaev settled things in the 23rd minute, poking home the winner for Spartak Kostroma. Things got heated late on, with D. Kirakosyan booked in the 87th minute and D. Pokotylo following suit a minute later for Chelyabinsk, as the hosts threw men forward in a frantic but fruitless final push. The result lifts Spartak Kostroma to 18 points and fifth in the table, keeping them in the promotion picture. Chelyabinsk stay on 7 points from nine matches, stuck in 15th and just a point above the relegation zone — a frustrating outcome given how much of the game they controlled.