Russian League crowns new champion

Rotor Volgograd, hosts, won the Russian Superfinal title in a nail-biter with previous champion Kristall

The Russian National League has been a very competitive mainstay in Russia for many years and this year featured yet another exciting finale. In fact this was the 10th edition of the Superfinal. The two teams were 2013 champion Kristall and the local team, Rotor Volgograd. The depth of the league is even more evident when considering the champion from 2012, Lokomotiv, did not even make the final.

Russian beach soccer fans are some of the most avid followers and loud fanatics and seeing their hometown team play in the title match was invigorating for the locals. The noise level at the event spurred on the players as well with atmosphere almost reaching a rocket launch level, crescendoing until the final whistle blew when chants for Rotor erupted.

The 4-2 win for Rotor Volgograd over Kristall was exciting and hard fought with both teams leaving all that they had on the pitch. Emotions ran high between the rivals and future battles will be invited and circled on the calendar. Fans were treated with the best beach soccer of the season with early goals from the hosts and a desperate comeback that fell just short. Volgograd took a 3-2 lead into the final minutes but Kristall was unable to secure the equalizer and instead, Rotor bagged their much needed insurance goal and held on for the two-goal victory.  

The battle for bronze was a devilishly fun match as well with the former champions of 2012, Lokomotiv, squaring off against Strogino, from Moscow as well. Strogino took control early and soundly defeated their cross-town rivals 4-1. The derby match loss for Lokomotiv leaves them in fourth place. 

Pic by Victoriya Drozova