Pavel Gorelov scores debut goal for Chernomorets and ends Sochi’s hopes of reaching the RPL (VIDEO)

In a dramatic finale to the final round of the First League, Novorossiysk’s Chernomorets pulled off a sensation by defeating Sochi 2–1 at home. One of the key moments of the match was the debut goal for Chernomorets by Armenian midfielder Pavel Gorelov, who became the true hero of the game.

The 22-year-old former Armenia U21 player, who started the season with KAMAZ (4 goals, 2 assists), transferred to Chernomorets in the winter and scored his first goal for the Novorossiysk club in the final round. His accurate strike helped Chernomorets secure the victory and left Sochi without even a chance for a playoff spot to qualify for the RPL.

VIDEO OF THE GOAL:

The victory allowed Chernomorets to finish third in the league table, which formally grants the right to play in the promotion playoffs. However, the club failed to obtain the necessary license: the RPL refused to allow the match to be played in Novorossiysk, and the team couldn’t find an alternative stadium. As a result, Chernomorets remains in the First League.

Interestingly, had Sochi won, they would have reached the playoff zone themselves. But their collapse on the Black Sea coast led to a fifth-place finish and the end of their season. Instead of Sochi, Ural secured a playoff spot by thrashing SKA 3–0 and finishing fourth.

Clubs promoted directly to the RPL:

• Baltika – First League champions

• Torpedo Moscow – runners-up

• Ural will play in the promotion playoffs