In a dramatic finish that kept supporters on the edge of their seats, Arsenal Tula edged out Fakel 3-2 in the final of the Cup at Fakel Stadium on October 30, 2025. The match showcased a thrilling contest punctuated by pivotal moments, particularly in the closing stages when the intensity reached its peak.
Fakel, riding high from a recent surge of form, entered the match with the confidence that stemmed from four straight victories. Their forward, Nuri Abdokov, struck first in the 42nd minute, putting Fakel ahead 1-0 just before halftime. Fans erupted, particularly those wearing the home colors, as Abdokov connected to give the home side what seemed to be a solid foundation for success. Just last week, Fakel had trounced Rotor Volgograd 4-0, and their momentum had many forecasting a home victory.
Yet Arsenal Tula was far from finished. Resilience is often a hallmark of cup football, and Tula demonstrated just that. The visitors found their rhythm shortly after the break, with Igor Gorbunov leveling the match in the 58th minute. The atmosphere shifted palpably as Tula's supporters found their voices, eager to cheer their team toward a potential triumph, especially after struggling for form with only one win in their previous five matches.
As the match progressed, tension coursed through Fakel Stadium. Nikolay Giorgobiani pulled Fakel back into the lead with a pivotal goal in the 80th minute, making it 2-1 and sending waves of exhilaration through the home crowd. However, the drama did not end there. Just when it seemed Fakel might secure victory, Tula's Danil Lipovoy silenced the home fans with a stunning equalizer in injury time, scoring in the 90+1 minute to tie the match at 2-2.
The match had become a true spectacle, a testament to cup football's unpredictability and thrill. Viewing from the sidelines, it felt like my pre-match predictions might have been a touch optimistic for Fakel, considering how quickly fortunes can shift in knockout football.
As both teams braced for what seemed like inevitable extra time, it was Tula who would have the final say. In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Lipovoy delivered a remarkable strike just moments after leveling the score, giving Arsenal Tula a 3-2 lead in a stunning finish that could only be described as euphoric for the away fans. The final whistle blew, sealing a historic victory for Tula and leaving the home crowd in stunned silence.
The match not only sealed the Cup for Arsenal Tula but also provided a turning point for a team that had been struggling in the league, overcoming recent disappointments. This victory may serve as a much-needed boost for Tula as they look to regain form in the First League, where they currently sit at a precarious position.
Meanwhile, Fakel, despite their best efforts and solid recent form, will rue missed opportunities and a heartbreaking final twist. Their prior victories had instilled hope, but today's defeat will require introspection as they seek to regroup and focus on league play, where they aim to continue their successful run.
For fans and players alike, today's finale was a gripping reminder of the drama that can unfold in the Cup, where every second and every play matters, and where dreams can be realized or dashed in an instant. With the season still ongoing, both teams will carry this experience into their forthcoming challenges, eager to carve out brighter paths ahead.