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International News Networks / Re: Juglander Review
« on: February 11, 2024, 01:14:31 PM »Juglander Review
Sports: FC Azavrelia wins "Azavrelia Derby" in Mktvartvelo's Cup final
In a repeat of the last season Brzdmtsveli Cup final, FC Azavrelia defeated their archenemies Mezgvauri Azavrelia by 1-0 to proclaim champions of the domestic cup, in the first title since the establishment of the Mktvartvelian Premier League.
Mezgvauri Azavrelia came as the favourite, despite losing the league title last week to defend their title in the last match of the season. However, as last week, their attackers proved unable to pierce their rivals' defense. A goal scored by midfielder Shalva Khakhetishvili in the last minute of the first half gave FC Azavrelia an advantage that they did not allow to be taken away.
The match was heated and tense, with more than fourteen players of either team seeing a yellow card through the match. However, despite their control of the ball during most of the second half, Mezgavauri Azavrelia proved unable to generate enough clear chances against the opposite defense, resulting in the intense but thrilling final.
"Both teams showed a great performance, fans of both teams should be proud of the effort of their players", Zhuldyz Birinseli, Vice-Chairman of the Mktvartvelo Professional Premier League as well as owner of FC Azavrelia, declared. "I am, of course, very happy about this trophy which for many of our fans and younger players can only be a dream, even if the first one of many more to come, becoming true".
After the referee whistled the end of the match, celebrations erupted both in Ktsatskuri, where the final was held, and Azavrelia, as well some violent altercations between fans of both sides even if without serious consequences.
The season could not end better for FC Azavrelia after another disappointing season in the league, where they finished sixth about twenty points behind the league champions and runners-up. On the opposite side, Mezgavauri Azavrelia, after winning both league and cup last season, started the season as the main favourites but which now ended trophyless.
"We failed in those few moments which mattered the most", player Eldar Akhvlediani declared. "It is not a reason for radical changes or lose our mind, of course, but we should learn a lesson to avoid the same mistakes next season. We are committed with the club and fans, and we will try to bring happiness to them soon enough".