The crazy season in Belarus couldn't have more amazing finale than a late championship goal by Shakhtyor Soligorsk.
2020 was a year to remember in Belarus. Eight months ago, while the whole world was under quarantine and football was suspended, the Vysshaya Liga was the only active league in Europe. Since then, the league was played in front of fans and behind closed doors. It had quiet days, while others were full of political demonstrations.
Saturday marked the last matchday of Belarus' biggest season ever.
The league was kicked off on March 19th, the same day that the English Premier League announced its first delay of return. People worldwide followed the only active European league back then, and the games were broadcasted abroad. Football fans became avid followers of teams like Slutsk, Energetik-BGU and Neman Grodno.
One person could be happy about the situation, Alexander Lukashenko. The President of Belarus was talking in March that "there is no coronavirus" and allowed the football to be played as usual. With fans at the stadiums, Belarus was the only place in the world that brought the atmosphere from the day before the pandemic without any masks or limits.
Lukashenko was also in the middle of the controversy. He won the presidential elections with more than 80% of the votes, but it was a sign for people to uprise. The fans were part of the protests, chanting "Zhive Belarus!" (Long Live Belarus!). Due to this reason, the Belarus FA has suddenly suspended the league for two weeks.
The league continued and presented a tight title race. Four matches to the end of the season, BATE Borisov climbed to the top position, one point ahead of Shakhtyor Soligorsk. Two weeks ago, the teams played in a match that could be decisive. Pavel Nyakhaychyk scored first for BATE, but Roman Begunov equalized in the 81st minute. The 1-1 draw kept BATE Borisov in the first place, but Shakhtyor Soligorsk had a better head-to-head record, which means that they will win the title in a case of a tie.
In the last matchday, both leaders had to play against opponents from Minsk. BATE Borisov travelled to the capital city to play against Dinamo Minsk. Shakhtyor Soligorsk faced FC Minsk at home, which should be a more comfortable match.
BATE's match was goalless, which made the drama much bigger. FC Minsk took the lead twice, and Shakhtyor Soligorsk managed to equalize. When both matches were tied, BATE Borisov was a few minutes away from retaining the title they lost last year to Dinamo Brest. Then came the change in Soligorsk. It began with a red card for Sergey Sazonchik of FC Minsk in the 85th minute. In the additional time, Shakhtyor Soligorsk had a blast when Roman Begunov scored a decisive goal once again in the 92nd minute. Artyom Arkhipov completed the mission with another goal at the 98th minute.
Shakhtyor Soligorsk won 4-2 and celebrated their second-ever title. Their last championship was in 2005, and in the next year, BATE began their 13-title streak. With a drama and a surprising title, Belarus Vysshaya Liga is completing an unforgettable year.
Thumbnail photo by Shakhtyor Soligorsk official VK page.
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