RIVNE, Ukraine (Interstat) — In a season-opening match that defied statistical projections, Veres Rivne edged SK Poltava 3-2 in a Ukrainian Premier League thriller on Friday at Stadion Avanhard.

The home side secured the victory despite falling behind early, ultimately overturning a deficit to claim three points in a contest that featured a flurry of second-half goals. The result immediately separated the two clubs in the early league table, with Veres Rivne beginning its campaign with a win while SK Poltava starts with a loss.

The match began contrary to most expectations. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a Veres Rivne victory by a score of 2-1, and its ELO rating system gave the hosts a 77.3 percent probability to win. SK Poltava, however, seized the initiative. Against the run of play, substitute Daniil Sukhoruchko opened the scoring for the visitors in the 31st minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give Poltava a surprising lead.

That advantage was short-lived. Just before halftime, Veres Rivne found its equalizer. Forward Kai Cipot finished a swift attacking move in the 45th minute, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1 and shifting momentum back to the home side.

The second half saw Veres Rivne take control. Midfielder Denys Ndukwe put the hosts ahead for the first time in the 65th minute, converting a chance to make it 2-1. The lead was then extended by midfielder Ihor Kharatin, whose goal provided a crucial two-goal cushion for Veres Rivne.

SK Poltava refused to capitulate. Substitute Maksym Marusych pulled a goal back for the visitors late in the match, setting up a tense finale at 3-2. Despite sustained pressure in the closing minutes, Veres Rivne’s defense held firm to preserve the narrow victory.

The match was not without disciplinary incidents. Poltava’s Denys Halenkov, also a substitute, received a yellow card in the 8th minute, one of the earliest cautions of the new season. He later registered an assist on Sukhoruchko’s opening goal.

The victory gives Veres Rivne an immediate boost, starting the Premier League season with a perfect record. For SK Poltava, the narrow loss, while showing resilience, means an immediate need to regroup as the long campaign gets underway. The five-goal affair served as an entertaining start to the domestic football year in Ukraine, delivering a result that was both tighter and higher-scoring than most pre-game analytics had foreseen.