The spring part of the season started with the quarterfinal matches of the 2025/26 Armenian Cup.

At this stage our team faced the reigning champion and cup holder, Yerevan’s Noah, which had finished its campaign in the UEFA Europa Conference League just a few days earlier.

Noah’s players started the match more actively and had a certain territorial advantage during the first 20 minutes.

In the 35th minute Pyunik created its first scoring chance of the match when Daniil Kulikov attempted to hit the far corner from the edge of the penalty area, but the ball went slightly wide.

Right at the beginning of the second half Noah managed to open the scoring. Gustavo Sangaré found the team’s newcomer Valentin Costache with a precise pass, and he sent the ball into Pyunik’s net — 0:1.

The conceded goal did not discourage our players, and in the 53rd minute, after a good pass from Daniil Kulikov, Momo Yansane rushed towards the ball, while Noah goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu came out to meet him and committed a foul. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Xavi Moreno converted the penalty to equalize — 1:1.

In the 67th minute Noah regained the lead. After a corner kick, Hovhannes Hambardzumyan scored from close range to make it 1:2.

Pyunik tried everything to avoid defeat and created several good chances near the opponent’s goal. Xavi Moreno, Karlen Hovhannisyan and Marius Noubissi all had opportunities to score.

Towards the end of the match Pyunik could have snatched a draw, when after a good run and pass from Lucas Villela, Filipe Almeida’s header went just wide and miraculously missed the target.

In added time our team was reduced to ten men as substitute Eric Okansey was sent off.

Noah managed to hold on to the winning score, but everything will be decided in the return match.