Vladivostok — Sochi, Club Friendly

Vladivostok defeated Sochi 5:3 in a club friendly match on 16 August 2026. The hosts started brightly and held every card they were dealt. By then the visitors had already looked fragile against Novosibirsk, losing 0:4 just two days earlier. Things came to a head in the opening period when Vladivostok took control. The home side scored first and never looked back. Sochi fought back but found no answer to the constant pressure. The visitors were caught in possession too often, which cost them dearly. By the third period Vladivostok had built enough of a cushion to feel comfortable. This result extends Vladivostok's momentum. They had won three of their last five meetings, including a 3:1 victory over Novosibirsk on 13 August. Sochi, meanwhile, have struggled recently — four defeats in their last five matches against higher-ranked opposition. The final score of 5:3 reflects a day where the hosts made their chances count. Sochi created opportunities but could not convert them when it mattered. The goal difference of two goals will not hide the fact that Vladivostok were the better side throughout. For Vladivostok this is another positive result ahead of the season. For Sochi there are questions to answer — particularly around defensive discipline. They will need to address those issues before their next fixture.