FC Tbilisi 2025 0 – 1 FC Metalurgi Rustavi
Georgia Cup • First Round • 27 July 2026

A solitary second‑half goal from Vakhtang Kvaratskhelia sent FC Metalurgi Rustavi through to the next round of the Georgia Cup, as they edged out top‑division side FC Tbilisi 2025 in a hard‑fought contest at the Tbilisi Sports Palace. The result was a minor upset, with Tbilisi 2025 having been viewed as favourites on paper.

Match overview

The match began at a frantic pace, with both sides pressing high in the early exchanges. Tbilisi 2025, playing in front of their home support, dominated possession in the first half but lacked the cutting edge to break down a disciplined Rustavi defence. Rustavi, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counter‑attack, with Kvaratskhelia and winger Giorgi Papava causing problems down the flanks.

The best chance of the first half fell to Tbilisi striker Luka Zarandia, whose close‑range effort from a corner was cleared off the line by Rustavi defender Davit Khmaladze. At the other end, goalkeeper Giorgi Loria made a fine save to deny Kvaratskhelia from a free‑kick just before the interval.

Decisive moment

The only goal arrived in the 67th minute. A quick throw‑in caught the Tbilisi defence asleep, allowing Papava to drive into the box. His cross was slightly overhit, but Kvaratskhelia showed excellent athleticism to stretch and volley the ball past Loria from an acute angle. Tbilisi appealed for a foul on the goalkeeper, but the referee waved play on.

Second‑half shift

After the goal, Tbilisi 2025 threw numbers forward in search of an equaliser. They switched to a 4–2–4 formation, but Rustavi dropped deep and defended resolutely. Substitute midfielder Gega Diasamidze came closest to leveling when his 20‑yard drive cannoned back off the crossbar in the 83rd minute. Rustavi held firm through six minutes of stoppage time to secure the win.

Standout performers

Vakhtang Kvaratskhelia was the hero, scoring the winner and leading the line tirelessly. Davit Khmaladze marshalled the backline with composure. For Tbilisi 2025, Giorgi Loria kept his team in the game with several important saves, but his efforts were ultimately in vain.

Cup implications

Metalurgi Rustavi advance to the second round of the Georgia Cup, where they will face either Dinamo Batumi or FC Gagra. For FC Tbilisi 2025, the early exit is a disappointment, and manager Kakha Tskhadadze will face questions about his team’s inability to convert dominance into goals. The Cup remains a realistic route to European football for Rustavi, who sit mid‑table in the Erovnuli Liga 2.