Alania Vladikavkaz Edge Out Nevinnomyssk in Seven-Goal Thriller

International Club Friendly – July 11, 2026
Alania Vladikavkaz and Nevinnomyssk served up a seven-goal spectacle in their pre-season friendly on July 11, 2026, with the visitors claiming a dramatic 4-3 victory. The match, played at Alania’s training base in Vladikavkaz, was an entertaining affair that showcased plenty of attacking talent but also defensive frailties.

Match Overview

With both sides still early in their pre-season schedules, the game offered little in terms of defensive structure but plenty of end-to-end action. Nevinnomyssk raced into a two-goal lead before Alania fought back to level, only for the visitors to regain control and eventually secure the win in a pulsating second half.

Key Moments

8th minute – Nevinnomyssk opened the scoring. A quick throw-in caught Alania’s defence napping, and forward Ruslan Khasanov slotted home from eight yards.
23rd minute – 2-0 to the visitors. A defensive mix-up allowed Mikhail Borisov to fire in from the edge of the box.
35th minute – Alania pulled one back. Captain Artur Tlisov headed in from a corner to give the home side hope.
42nd minute – Alania equalised! A stunning long-range effort from Zaur Khadartsev flew into the top corner, making it 2-2 at half-time.
56th minute – Nevinnomyssk restored their lead through Dmitri Zabolotny, who tapped in after a goalmouth scramble.
73rd minute – Alania equalised for a second time. Substitute Alan Dzagoev (no relation to the famous CSKA player) pounced on a loose ball to make it 3-3.
87th minute – The winner. A counter-attack from Nevinnomyssk saw Khasanov complete his brace, capitalising on a tired Alania backline to make it 4-3.

Tactical Story

Alania lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation that left them vulnerable on the break, especially in the first half. Nevinnomyssk, playing a 4-4-2, exploited the space behind Alania’s full-backs with direct passes and quick transitions. The second half saw both teams tire, leading to more errors and open play. Nevinnomyssk’s greater cohesion in the final third ultimately made the difference.

Standout Players

Ruslan Khasanov (Nevinnomyssk) – two goals and constant movement made him the game's most influential player.
Zaur Khadartsev (Alania) – scored a brilliant goal and looked dangerous from midfield.
Dmitri Zabolotny (Nevinnomyssk) – physical presence in the box, his goal was crucial.

Season Impact

This friendly serves as an important fitness test for both clubs. Alania Vladikavkaz are preparing for the Russian Football National League (Second League Division A), where they hope to challenge for promotion. Nevinnomyssk, competing in the same league, will take confidence from this attacking display but will need to tighten up at the back. Managers on both sides will have plenty to work on before the competitive season begins.