Ska-khabarovsk vs Veles

Veles took the lead four minutes before half-time through Vladislav Galkin, who converted from close range to send the visitors into the break 1-0 up. SKA had dominated possession (52%) but struggled to break down a compact Veles defence in the first half.

SKA levelled in the 68th minute through Vladislav Bragin, who finished calmly after a period of sustained pressure. The equaliser lasted only 12 minutes — I. Nikin restored Veles' lead in the 80th minute, seemingly putting the Moscow side on course for victory.

But SKA refused to settle for defeat. With two minutes of normal time remaining, Igor Shkolik struck to make it 2-2, ensuring the hosts preserved their unbeaten pre-season record.

Shkolik's 88th-minute equaliser. Having fallen behind twice, SKA showed resilience to salvage a draw in the closing stages — a positive sign for head coach Mikhail Semyonov as his side builds towards the new Pari Liga season. The late goal denied Veles what would have been their second pre-season win.

• Igor Shkolik (SKA Khabarovsk) — scored the 88th-minute equaliser to rescue a point. His composure under pressure was decisive.
• Vladislav Bragin (SKA Khabarovsk) — opened SKA's account with a well-taken 68th-minute strike, sparking the home side's fightback.
• Vladislav Galkin (Veles) — put Veles ahead with a clinical first-half finish and was a threat throughout.

Player of the Match: Igor Shkolik (SKA Khabarovsk)

The provider stats show SKA held 52% possession, reflecting their control of territory without always translating it into clear-cut chances. Both teams created roughly equal opportunities — the 2-2 scoreline was a fair reflection. Without detailed xG data available for this friendly, the shot count (four corners each across various sources) suggests an open contest that could have swung either way. The fact that no cards were issued underlines the pre-season nature of the fixture.

The draw continues SKA Khabarovsk's pre-season preparations for the 2026/27 Pari Liga season. SKA, who finished mid-table in the Russian First League last term, have now played three summer friendlies — a 4-1 win over Krasnoye Znamya (21 June), a 4-2 loss to Sochi (30 June) and this 2-2 draw. Their next confirmed fixture is the opening round of the Pari Liga season.

Veles, who compete in the Leon Second League B, have had a mixed pre-season. Prior to this match they drew 0-0 with Arsenal Tula (27 June), lost 2-1 to Sibir (21 June) and beat Sibir 4-1 (17 June). Their league campaign begins in late July.

SKA Khabarovsk and Veles have now met seven times across all competitions since 2020. SKA lead the series with four wins to Veles' two, with one draw. The fixture has produced 20 goals (2.86 per game). Their most recent competitive meetings came in the 2022/23 Pari Liga season, where each side won their home fixture — Veles won 1-0 (May 2023) and SKA won 6-0 (October 2022).

A typically competitive pre-season encounter between two Russian second-tier sides. SKA Khabarovsk will take heart from their resilience, while Veles will rue not holding their lead. Both sides got valuable minutes and fitness work ahead of their respective league campaigns.