In the November FIFA window's final internationals, Peru secured a 1-1 draw against Russia in St. Petersburg during a friendly match. The game, played this Wednesday, featured an early error by Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese leading to Russia's goal, but Alex Valera equalized late. Both teams will face the Chilean national team in the coming days.
The November FIFA window, the year's final international break, kicked off with a friendly between Russia and Peru in St. Petersburg, ending in a 1-1 draw. This outcome comes right before both teams face the Chilean national team, led by interim coach Nicolás Córdova. Chile will play Russia this Saturday and Peru on Tuesday the 18th, both matches in Sochi.
Russia, sanctioned by FIFA and UEFA over the Ukraine conflict, is restricted to friendlies and cannot enter major tournament qualifiers. Under Valery Karpin, the hosts took the lead in the 18th minute via Aleksandr Golovin, who exploited a major blunder by Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese in controlling the ball.
In the second half, Gallese redeemed himself with key saves, including a one-on-one stop against Eduard Sergeev in the 62nd minute and a tight shot rejection in the 72nd. Peru, managed by interim coach Manuel Barreto—the same who faced Chile in La Florida—improved going forward. Alex Valera, subbed on and a Universitario de Deportes player, equalized in the 82nd minute with a left-footed strike from outside the box that beat goalkeeper Matvey Safonov.
This informal triangular features the South American qualifiers' bottom teams, Peru and Chile, against a sanctioned Russia. The Sochi clashes will revive the Pacific Derby between Chile and Peru, as La Roja seeks action before the year-end pause.