KHMELNYTSKYI, Ukraine (Interstat) — In a match that defied pregame projections, FK UKSA opened its Persha Liga campaign with a 2-1 victory over Pod Khmelnytskyi on Saturday at Stadion Podillya.

The visitors from Kyiv secured the win with a first-half offensive surge, netting two goals within the opening half-hour to establish a commanding lead that the home side could not overcome, despite a second-half rally.

The match began at a blistering pace, with FK UKSA stunning the home crowd just five minutes after the opening whistle. Forward Anton Savin found the back of the net, giving his team an immediate and early advantage on the road.

The pressure from the visitors continued, and their efforts were rewarded again in the 31st minute. Midfielder Pablo Castro doubled FK UKSA’s lead, putting Pod Khmelnytskyi in a significant deficit before halftime.

Facing a two-goal hole, Pod Khmelnytskyi emerged from the break with renewed vigor. The home team managed to cut the deficit in half with a goal in the second period, setting up a tense finish. Despite increased possession and pressure in the latter stages of the match, Pod Khmelnytskyi could not find the equalizer, and FK UKSA’s defense held firm to secure the three points.

The final result was an upset according to pregame analytics. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw, while its ELO rating system had given Pod Khmelnytskyi a 56.20 percent probability of winning the match. FK UKSA’s performance on the pitch, however, rendered those forecasts irrelevant.

With the result, FK UKSA begins its season in Ukraine’s first division with a perfect record of one win and zero losses. Pod Khmelnytskyi, conversely, starts its campaign with a loss, standing at zero wins and one loss. The records are identical across all competitions for both clubs at this early stage of the season.

The victory provides FK UKSA with crucial early momentum as they look to build a successful campaign in the Persha Liga, while Pod Khmelnytskyi will aim to regroup and secure its first points in its next outing.