FC Lazika 1–2 Merani Martvili
Georgia Erovnuli Liga 2 – 10 May 2026

Merani Martvili climbed into the promotion playoff positions in the Georgian Erovnuli Liga 2 after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over FC Lazika at the Tsentraluri Stadium. The visitors came from behind to claim all three points in a match that featured two goals in quick succession just after the hour mark.

First-Half Struggle

Lazika started brightly and took a deserved lead in the 28th minute. Forward Zurab Khmaladze collected a pass from midfield, turned his marker, and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards. Merani struggled to create clear chances in the first period, with their best effort a long-range free kick that sailed narrowly wide.

Second-Half Turnaround

Lazika continued to look the more likely side early in the second half, but Merani equalised against the run of play in the 63rd minute. A corner kick was only partially cleared, and Giorgi Cheishvili volleyed home from the edge of the area with a sweet strike. Just three minutes later, the turnaround was complete: a swift counter-attack saw Levan Kutalia slot home from an acute angle after a perfectly timed through ball from midfielder Shota Adamia.

Late Pressure

Lazika pushed for an equaliser in the final 20 minutes, but Merani’s defence held firm. Home substitute Giorgi Mchedlishvili had a header cleared off the line in the 81st minute, and a late scramble in the box was eventually smothered by Merani goalkeeper Nika Shergelashvili. The visitors held on for a valuable away win.

Standout Performer

Levan Kutalia was the difference-maker, scoring the winning goal and consistently troubling the Lazika defence with his runs in behind. His work rate and finishing were key to Merani’s victory.

Table Implications

The result moved Merani Martvili up to third in the Erovnuli Liga 2 standings, now two points inside the promotion playoff zone. FC Lazika dropped to eighth, still five points clear of the relegation places but with work to do if they want to finish in the top half of the table.