Fakel vs FC Rostov

Fakel's double substitution at half-time changed the dynamic. Vasilenko introduced M. Uridia and B. Pusi — the latter already on the scoresheet — and the fresh legs immediately stretched a Rostov side that never made a single change. By the time Turishchev scored, Rostov's unchanging XI looked leggy against a rotating Fakel outfit that made six substitutions in total.

M. Turishchev (Fakel) — Came off the bench at half-time, scored against his former club, and was replaced himself in the 74th minute. A productive 29-minute cameo that will please Vasilenko.

B. Pusi (Fakel) — Scored the equaliser, was substituted at the break, and still had the most decisive impact of any Fakel forward in the first half.

A. Gnapi Dable (Fakel) — The second-half substitute restored Fakel's lead at 2-1 and set the platform for the comfortable win.

G. Ignatov (Rostov) — The only bright spot for the visitors; his 11th-minute opener was well-taken, but he faded along with the rest of the team as the half wore on.

The match produced four goals from just 11 total shots on target across both halves, reflecting a game that was open in transition but lacked sustained pressure. Rostov's decision to use zero substitutes — unusual even for a friendly — meant their levels dropped markedly after the interval. Fakel's 6-0 substitution advantage created a freshness gap that told in the final half-hour, where all three Fakel goals were scored or created by players introduced at half-time.

For Fakel, this is a second consecutive pre-season friendly without defeat (following draws with Torpedo Moscow and Shinnik Yaroslavl, and a win over Arsenal Tula). The Voronezh club, promoted back to the RPL after winning the PARI League last season, are building useful momentum. Their next friendly is scheduled for later this month.

For Rostov, this was only their second pre-season outing (they drew 0-0 with Dinamo Stavropol earlier in the week). Jonatan Alba's side finished 10th in the RPL last term and are in the early phase of preparations. The lack of substitutions is a notable tactical choice — Alba may have prioritised fitness minutes over result management.

A tale of two benches. Fakel's depth and rotation told a clear story, while Rostov's refusal to make a single change ultimately cost them control of the game. Pre-season results carry limited weight, but the patterns — Turishchev's sharpness against his old side, Fakel's improved second-half vigour — are worth noting for the Russian season ahead.