FC Merani Tbilisi 1-1 FC Irao Tbilisi: Erovnuli Liga 3 Derby Ends in Stalemate

Tbilisi, June 21, 2026 – Local rivals FC Merani Tbilisi and FC Irao Tbilisi played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Georgia’s Erovnuli Liga 3 on Sunday evening. The result at the Merani Stadium keeps both sides in mid-table, with little to separate them over 90 minutes.

Match Story

The first half was a tense, tactical affair. FC Irao Tbilisi took the lead in the 27th minute when forward Giorgi Shashiashvili headed home from a well-worked corner. Merani pushed for an immediate response but found Irao’s goalkeeper Luka Gugeshashvili in inspired form.

Merani’s pressure finally paid off in the 71st minute. A sweeping move down the right flank ended with a low cross that Vakhtang Modebadze turned into the net from six yards out. Both teams had chances to win it late, but neither could find a second goal.

Key Statistics

• Possession: Merani 54% – 46% Irao
• Shots on target: Merani 5 – 3 Irao
• Corners: Merani 7 – 4 Irao

League Context

With the draw, FC Merani Tbilisi sit eighth in the Erovnuli Liga 3 table with 22 points, while FC Irao Tbilisi are one place and one point behind. The division remains tightly packed, with only six points separating fifth from 12th. Both teams will see this as a point gained rather than two lost, given the derby intensity.