In the central match of Round 21 of the Fastex Premier League, Pyunik hosted one of the leaders, Ararat-Armenia, whom they were ahead of by 2 points before the game. A win would have allowed them to extend that gap.

Our players started the match actively and created good chances in the opening minutes through Mikhail Kovalenko and Sergey Vakulenko.

In the 21st minute, Ararat-Armenia were awarded a penalty after Julio Bueno’s header struck Aleksandar Milkovic’s hand inside our penalty area. Juan Balanta stepped up and, although Henri Avagyan managed to get a touch on the ball, the shot was too powerful, and the visitors opened the scoring — 0:1.

In the first half, Pyunik slightly lacked coordination between the lines, but after the break the team looked different, and the initiative shifted to Pyunik.

In the 62nd minute, the visitors came close to doubling their lead, but Karen Muradyan’s powerful strike was denied by the post.

With 20 minutes remaining, Pyunik created their best chance of the match: Edgar Malakyan quickly spotted Momo Yansane in a promising position and delivered the pass, but the Guinean forward failed to capitalize, shooting straight at the goalkeeper.

Then, in the 2nd minute of added time, substitute Hugo Oliveira scored with a header into an unguarded net, sealing the match — 0:2.

Pyunik lost to Ararat-Armenia in this crucial clash and allowed their opponent to move one point ahead. Our team will play their next match on April 18 away against Ararat.