Neftchi defeated Alga 3:1 in the Premier League's regular season round 21 on Monday. The hosts took the lead early through Y. Gavrilov, who scored in the fifth minute. Alga equalised from the penalty spot with M. Abdeselam converting in the twenty-seventh minute. Neftchi then went ahead and held on for the win.
Two goals in quick succession turned the match. Gavrilov added his second in the thirty-third minute, and another goal followed in the thirty-sixth. Alga's penalty had given them hope, but Neftchi never got out of second gear after that. The visitors could not respond to the flurry.
By then the hosts were already playing with confidence. They had lost four of their last five league games before this one, including a heavy 0:4 defeat to Bars. Alga, meanwhile, were second in the table with 42 points from 20 matches. Neftchi sat in twelfth place with just 23 points.
The result did not change the standings dramatically, but it broke a poor run for the hosts. Their recent form showed inconsistency — wins against Talent and OshMU Aldir, but also losses to Dordoi Bishkek and Bars. Alga's record included two draws and one loss in their last five outings.
On the night, Neftchi's three goals came at crucial moments. Gavrilov opened the scoring and finished with two, while the third arrived without a named scorer in the data. Alga could only manage the penalty goal. The hosts stretched the back line when it mattered, and that made the difference.