Miory Regional Executive Committee
Minsk’s RCOR-BGU may not have been as favorable an opponent as Belshina from Bobruisk. In the final round, the “students” secured a convincing 3:1 victory over Slavia from Mozyr and gained a chance to avoid relegation from the top division via playoff matches against our side. It is worth noting that the teams faced each other earlier this year in a cup competition, with Vitebsk securing a 1:0 home win. These results should be kept in mind.
The draw determined that the first match would take place in the capital, and the second in the regional center. The Minsk fixture proved difficult by many metrics. The severely frozen pitch and the match played in sub-zero temperatures noticeably diminished the quality of the game. After an early red card for the home side, Vitebsk controlled the ball more, took slightly more shots on goal, and earned more corner kicks, but none of this translated into goals. A draw would not have been particularly desirable for RCOR-BGU prior to the start of the match, but following the red card, it represented an acceptable outcome.
On Saturday, the contest moved to the city on the Dvina. Even lower temperatures outside prompted the management of our team to make a difficult decision to relocate the match from its usual venue to an air-supported dome. With a seating capacity of only 300 spectators, many football fans were notified in advance that they would not be able to attend. Nevertheless, our team did not play without support – although not in their largest numbers, the supporters actively urged the Vitebsk players forward.
Already in the fifth minute, the fans had their first opportunity to demonstrate their vocal support. A defender of the visiting team committed a careless foul in his own penalty area against Yan Skibsky, and the referee pointed to the 11-meter mark. Ruslan Teverov immediately claimed the ball and made it clear that he would be taking the penalty kick. The shot from the Vitebsk forward was impeccable in both power and precision.
After scoring, the home team launched several more memorable attacks but failed to find the net again. The most promising opportunities were missed by the aforementioned Jan Skibski and Ruslan Teverov. The penalty for wastefulness nearly arrived on the 61st minute, but the visiting Kazakh legionary Abinur Narymbet failed to properly strike the ball just a couple of meters from the unguarded goal. Seven seconds before the end of regular time, Ruslan Teverov showed leniency toward his opponent in a clear-cut situation.
The final minutes dragged mercilessly for one side while flying by for the other. The referee’s whistle confirmed Vitebsk’s narrow 1:0 victory. The summer cup result was repeated, but this triumph carries far greater significance. The team from the regional center is returning to the highest division, securing its place through fierce competition against a strong opponent. Alexander Pavlov, in his first season as head coach, managed to rally the squad into a cohesive attacking unit following a difficult start.
Returning to the top flight of Belarusian football represents a crucial step for the club’s structure. In addition to the first team, a reserve squad will be formed to compete in the Second League. In the championship, we will face the leading clubs of domestic football. Which players will represent us against these opponents remains an open question. Undoubtedly, following a successful season, many key players of the “northerners” will receive offers from other clubs, and it is unlikely that everyone can be retained. Considerations regarding squad reinforcement are also necessary. The coaching staff and club management already have extensive work ahead. Nevertheless, the primary objective has been achieved: Vitebsk is once again a top-division team.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by