Veles 2-1 Rotor: Murza and Tarasenko complete comeback from bench (full highlights)

The Avangard Arena in Domodedovo witnessed a dramatic comeback on August 3, 2026, as Veles snatched a 2-1 victory over Rotor in the fourth round of the Russian First League. The visitors from Volgograd started the game with purpose and took a deserved lead in the 33rd minute when Abu-Said Eldarushev fired a clinical finish into the bottom corner after a pinpoint cross from the right flank. Rotor dominated the first half, dictating the tempo and creating several clear-cut chances while keeping the hosts at bay. Veles manager Aleksey Stukalov knew something had to change, and his half-time switch to a 3-4-3 formation proved to be a masterstroke. The equaliser finally came in the 67th minute: Kirill Korolkov drove to the byline and pulled the ball back for Zakhar Tarasenko, who swept it home first-time to ignite the home crowd. Then, with just six minutes of normal time remaining, substitute Artur Murza — who had been on the pitch for only ten minutes — burst into the box, shrugged off a defender and drilled a low shot past Nikita Chagrov to complete the turnaround. Rotor almost snatched a draw in stoppage time when Magomed Magomedov's fierce strike rattled the crossbar. Rotor boss Dmitry Parfyonov cut a frustrated figure after the final whistle, admitting his side had "thrown away a victory they had in their hands." Veles now sit second with nine points, level with leaders Nizhny Novgorod but behind on goal difference, while Rotor have dropped to ninth with six points. Veles host Leningradets on August 9, while Rotor face Chelyabinsk at home. Can the capital side maintain their momentum?