In an electric afternoon at Fazisi Stadium, Gareji secured a vital 3-1 victory over Kolkheti Poti in the Erovnuli Liga, lifting them into mid-table. The match on November 2, 2025, marked a crucial turning point for both teams as they continue their respective battles in the league.
As predicted in our preview, Kolkheti Poti was desperate for points. However, they entered the match on a disheartening run of five straight winless games. With only four victories all season and currently sitting 10th in the standings with just 19 points from 30 matches, confidence was low.
Conversely, Gareji arrived in Poti full of momentum after their recent performance against Dinamo Batumi, where they triumphed with a remarkable 4-1 victory. Standing just above Kolkheti at eighth place with 30 points and an increasingly reliable attacking line led by promising striker Giorgi Kvilitaia, expectations were high for a strong showing.
The first half brought drama that felt almost scripted. Despite having fewer chances early on, Kolkheti Poti found the back of the net during stoppage time. As fans erupted in joy, it was clear that this fleeting moment might be among their rare highlights this season.
But Gareji was not to be outdone. Once the second half commenced, they responded with intensity and purpose. A penalty awarded to Gareji in the 58th minute set the stage for what would come next; however, its outcome remains elusive due to partial information on player performances.
With their sights firmly set on victory, Gareji quickly followed up with two additional goals: one at the 61st minute and another just minutes later at 73. These strikes solidified their lead and left Kolkheti scrambling for answers amid chants of encouragement from their supporters that echoed throughout Fazisi Stadium.
The result leaves Kolkheti Poti mired at the bottom of the table while sending Gareji upward as they strive for stability after managing to escape their own slump. For Kolkheti's players like Giorgi Tsereteli and Beka Kvaratskhelia who are looking to make something happen offensively or defensively week-in and week-out, this loss comes as yet another bitter pill to swallow amidst a desperate final stretch of matches.
Looking ahead, both teams face critical encounters that could define their seasons. Kolkheti Poti will travel to Gagra for a must-win clash if they wish to avoid relegation worries mounting further before it's too late. Meanwhile, Gareji, buoyed by today's performance and newly acquired confidence-especially with Kvilitaia hitting form-will host Dinamo Tbilisi next week searching to extend this positive trajectory toward safety in mid-table.
Regrettably for me personally-and perhaps delightfully surprising for others-my pre-match prediction leaned toward an even contest or possible advantage for Kolkheti given what appeared as Gareji's inconsistency leading up to this match. Clearly my faith led me astray here as Gareji delivered more than expected in combatting those vulnerabilities.
Now both sides march on-their respective burdens heavier than ever-and neither can afford any missteps as this thrilling campaign unfolds further into November's chillier embrace under Georgian skies.