Styopa Mkrtchyan Scores First Goal for Nürnberg to Rescue a Draw

Armenia national team defender Styopa Mkrtchyan made an impressive return from injury, scoring his first goal for German club Nürnberg. The 23-year-old found the net in the eighth round of the 2. Bundesliga against Energie Cottbus, helping his team secure a 1-1 draw.

The match took place on October 16 in Cottbus. Mkrtchyan made his first league appearance of the season, coming off the bench in the 66th minute with Nürnberg trailing 1-0.

The hosts had taken the lead through Justin Butler, who scored in the 56th minute. Nürnberg pushed forward in search of an equalizer, and the decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute.

Following a cross into the penalty area, the ball bounced back into the six-yard box, where Mkrtchyan reacted quickest and fired home from close range to level the score.

Miroslav Klose's side continued searching for a winner in the closing stages, but the hosts managed to hold on for a draw.

For Mkrtchyan, it was his first goal for Nürnberg and his first in an official match in almost three years. The Armenian defender had last scored on August 13, 2023, while playing for Croatian club Osijek. On that occasion, he found the net in a 4-4 draw against Istra 1961 in the Croatian league.

The goal marked an especially successful return from injury for the Armenian international. His contribution helped Nürnberg avoid their first defeat of the current 2. Bundesliga season.

After eight rounds, Nürnberg sit second in the league standings with 18 points, four behind leaders Hertha Berlin.

Klose's team also extended their unbeaten league run to 12 matches.