Pyunik deny Ararat to make it eight straight

Wednesday 19 November 2008
by Khachik Chakhoyan from YerevenFC

Pyunik have won their eighth consecutive Armenian title after
defeating FC Ararat Yerevan 2-1 following extra time in the
championship play-off match.

One-off decider
Ararat had beaten Pyunik on the last day of the regular season to
force the one-off title decider but could not repeat the feat to pick
up the crown.
While it was the holders’ eleventh gold medal success overall, Ararat
finished in the top three for the first time in eight years.

Champions on top
Pyunik dominated the first half, creating several great chances and
Edgar Malakyan came closest to breaking the deadlock when he hit the
post. Ararat
could only muster a couple of Markos Pizzelli long-range efforts in
the first 45 minutes, but were a different team after the break with
Sargis Hovsepyan nearly putting through his own net just before the
hour mark.

Tadevosyan intervention
It was the champions, though, that took the lead when 18-year-old
substitute striker Albert Tadevosyan headed in Norayr Sahakyan’s cross
midway through the second period. Ararat’s response was almost
immediate, Vahagn Minasyan meeting Pizzeli’s corner to nod in. With
eight minutes of normal time remaining, Pyunik squandered a golden
opportunity to wrap up the game and the
title. Tadevosyan was fouled in the area, but Hovsepyan hit the
crossbar from the penalty spot.

"Toughest title"
Ararat were reduced to ten men shortly after the missed penalty and,
as the match entered extra time, Pyunik’s unrelenting pressure
eventually told as Tadevosyan scored another header in the 109th
minute. There was still time, however, for the match-winner and Ararat
defender Juliano Gimenez to collect red cards. "We were deserved
winners," said victorious captain Hovsepyan. "We have a very young
team and that is why this triumph is even more important for us. It
was my toughest title." Pyunik defender Karen Dokhoyan, 32, added:
"Ararat proved to be decent rivals. It has been a long time since
winning the Armenian league was that tough."