NO WINNER IN THE FERGANA CLASH

Although the match started with active plays from both teams, the guests were the first to open the scoring. A fast attack organized from the right flank was finished off with a powerful and accurate shot by Rafael Tavares, hitting the hosts' net – 0:1. Having conceded the goal, the Fergana team surged forward in full force and created a series of dangerous situations around the opponent's penalty area. The continuous pressure on the visitors' defense paid off in the 24th minute: Stipe Perica jumped high from a corner kick and brilliantly headed the ball into the opponent's net – 1:1.

Once the balance was restored, Fergana's attacking intensity increased even further. However, in the 36th minute, "Khorezm" players successfully capitalized on a set piece. Receiving the ball from a corner kick, Rafael Tavares scored his second goal, securing a brace and putting the guests ahead once again – 1:2. Towards the end of the first half, our representatives focused entirely on the attack and launched a serious siege on the opponent's goal. But the consecutive dangerous attacks and shots lacked a little bit of accuracy.

The second half, as expected, began with active attacks from our team. The series of dangerous opportunities bore fruit by the 62nd minute: a cross floated into the penalty area was accurately headed into the opponent's net by Jamshid Iskanderov – 2:2. Even after the score was leveled, the Fergana side exerted relentless pressure on the opponent's goal, creating numerous favorable scoring chances. Nevertheless, our players lacked a bit of precision in finishing the attacks. The clean sheets remained intact during the additional time added by the main referee, and the match ended in a hard-fought draw.

UZBEKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE

October 7, Matchday 23

Fergana city, "Istiqlol" stadium, 19:00

"NEFTCHI" 2:2 "KHOREZM"

Goals: Rafael Tavares, 8' (0:1), Stipe Perica, 25' (1:1), Rafael Tavares, 36' (1:2), Jamshid Iskanderov, 62' (2:2).

• Main Referee: Firdavs Norsafarov
• Assistant Referees: Zufar Eliboev, Elnur Doniyorov
• Fourth Official: Alisher Abduvohidov
• VAR: Doston Rahmonov
• AVAR: Alisher Raximkulov
• Referee Inspector: Vadim Agishev
• General Commissioner: Vladimir Nazarov

"Neftchi": 1.Botirali Ergashev, 4.Boyan Ciger, 5.Ikromjon Alibayev, 6.Ibrohimhalil Yuldoshev (34.Farrux Sayfiyev, 74'), 7.Abrorbek Ismoilov (71.Bilolkhon Toshmirzayev, 84'), 9.Khurshid Giyosov (8.Vladimir Jovovic, 46'), 10.Jamshid Iskanderov, 15.Nurmuhammad Abduganiyev, 18.Stipe Perica (11.Asilbek Jumayev, 74'), 22.Alisher Odilov (32.Zoran Marušić, 74'), 52.Koffi Kouao.

Substitutes: 45.Akbar Turayev, 21.Muxsinjon Ubaydullayev, 27.Nurbek Sarsenbayev, 30.Rustambek Fomin.

Head Coach: Islombek Ismoilov