MOSCOW (Interstat) — FK Balashikha delivered a stunning 3-1 victory over Sakhalinets in the Russian Cup of Cups on Monday, defying heavy pregame projections. The match was played at Futbol’noe pole 4 Akademiya Spartak.

Iván Zambrano opened the scoring for Balashikha in the 27th minute, with Renato Ibarra adding another just three minutes later. After a goal from Claudio Spinelli in the 62nd, Sakhalinets found a late consolation from Jean Arroyo. The result was an upset, as statistical models heavily favored the home team to win. Balashikha begins its campaign with a win, while Sakhalinets starts with a loss.