Russia ease past Andorra to make winning start
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
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Andorra 0-3 Russia
The 2013 finalists opened their 2015 qualifying account at the first time of asking against Justo Ruiz's team in Andorra la Vella.
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Russia made a winning start in their bid to reach the UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals in 2015 as they eased past Andorra at the Estadi Comunal.
After securing qualification for the 2013 tournament in Israel, Magomed Mitrishev, Aleksandr Korotaev and Vladimir Obukhov struck to ensure the next generation took the first step towards repeating that feat in Andorra la Vella.
On the front foot from the off, the visitors went ahead ten minutes in as Mitrishev beat Daniel Vinardell in the Andorra goal. The lead was swiftly doubled as the scorer of the first provided an outstanding assist for Korotaev who made it two eight minutes later.
Nikolai Pisarev's charges consolidated their position after Eric Rodríguez received his second yellow card in the 73rd minute, leaving Andorra coach Justo Ruiz with a reduced hand. The game was wrapped up in added time as Victor Bueno fouled Obukhov in the area, allowing the same player to bury the resulting penalty and clinch a first Group 2 success.