FC Vitebsk earned the right to play in the top division of the national championship next year through playoff matches
Minsk's "RCOR-BGU" might not have been as tough an opponent as "Belshina" from Bobruisk. In the last round, the "students" brilliantly dealt with "Slavia" from Mozyr 3:1 and got a chance to avoid relegation from the elite division in the form of play-off matches with our team. It is noteworthy that this year the teams met in the cup, and then "Vitebsk" won at home with a score of 1:0. Let's remember these numbers.
The draw determined that the first match would take place in the capital, and the second in the regional center. The Minsk match turned out to be difficult in many respects. The frozen field and the match in sub-zero temperatures frankly ruined the football. "Vitebsk", after an early dismissal of the hosts, had more possession of the ball, shot at the goal a little more actively, and took more corners, but this did not translate into goals. "RCOR–BGU" would not have been particularly pleased with a draw before the match, but after the red card, it was an acceptable result.
On Saturday, the confrontation moved to the city on the Dvina. Even colder temperatures outside forced the management of our team to make a difficult decision to move the match from its usual venue to an air-supported arena. Its stands have a capacity of only 300 spectators, so many football fans were warned in advance that they would not be able to attend the match. However, our team was not left without support – although not in full force, the fans actively cheered the Vitebsk players forward.
Already at the end of the fifth minute, the first test of the fans' vocal cords occurred. The visiting defender played carelessly in his penalty area against Yan Skibsky, and the referee pointed to the 11-meter mark. Ruslan Teverov immediately took the ball and showed everyone that he would be the one to take the penalty. The Vitebsk forward's shot was flawless in both power and accuracy.
After scoring, the hosts had several more memorable attacks, but failed to score. The most striking chances were missed by the aforementioned Yan Skibsky and Ruslan Teverov. The price for profligacy was almost paid in the 61st minute, but the visiting Kazakh legionnaire Abinur Narymbet could not properly hit the ball from a couple of meters from an empty net. Seven rotations of the second hand before the end of regular time, Ruslan Teverov again forgave the opponent in a golden opportunity.
The final minutes dragged on mercilessly for some and flew by for others. The referee's whistle confirmed Vitebsk's minimal 1-0 victory. The summer cup result was repeated, but this time the victory has a far more significant impact. The team from the regional center returns to the top division, having earned this spot in an excellent contest against a strong opponent. Aleksandr Pavlov, for whom this was his first season as head coach, managed to rally the players into a cohesive, powerful force after a shaky start.
Returning to the elite of Belarusian football is a crucial step for the club's system. In addition to the main squad, the team will form a reserve team that will now compete in the second league. In the championship, we will face the leaders of domestic football. Who will stand against them in our team remains an open question. Undoubtedly, after a successful season, many of the "northerners'" leaders will receive offers from other clubs, and it is unlikely that all of them can be retained. Reinforcements will also be needed. The coaching staff and club management have a mountain of work ahead of them starting today. However, the main thing is that the season's objective has been met – Vitebsk is a Premier League team.
"Vitbichi"
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by