FC Sochi 5-0 Arsenal Tula | Russian First League | 26 July 2026

FC Sochi produced a dominant display to thrash Arsenal Tula 5-0 in the Russian First League, moving to the top of the table with a resounding victory. The match at the Fisht Olympic Stadium was effectively over by half‑time as Sochi ran riot in front of their home fans.

A first‑half blitz

Sochi wasted no time asserting their authority. After just seven minutes, a corner was flicked on by Ivan Tarasov and Denis Makarov reacted quickest to prod home from close range. The lead was doubled in the 19th minute when winger Artur Yusupov cut inside and curled a beautiful shot into the top corner. Arsenal Tula’s defence looked shaky, and Sochi capitalised again before the break: Maksim Belyaev scored from a free header in the 38th minute, and Yevgeni Pesegov added a fourth in stoppage time with a driving run and finish.

Second‑half control

The second half was a more measured affair, with Sochi happy to keep possession and manage the game. Arsenal Tula rarely threatened, and Sochi completed the scoring in the 72nd minute via substitute Aleksandr Lomovitsky, who slotted home after a defensive error. The 5-0 scoreline was Sochi’s biggest league win of the season so far.

What the result means

• FC Sochi moved to the top of the Russian First League standings, ahead on goal difference.
• Arsenal Tula dropped to 11th, just above the relegation playoff spot.
• Sochi’s five different goalscorers highlighted the depth of their attacking options.

Sochi will aim to maintain this momentum when they travel to Akron Togliatti next weekend, while Arsenal Tula face a crucial home fixture against Yenisey Krasnoyarsk.