Damir Zhafyarov: «It is always great to get a win»
22.10.2026
Neftekhimik forward Damir Zhafyarov speaks with the media after a following 3–2 win over Avangard.
– It was a hard–battled game. It is always great to get a win – especially against an opponent like this – so, as they say, we have added two points to our tally and are now looking ahead to what is next.– Your team were trailling twice during the game, but in the end, the team not only leveled the score but also took the lead. How were you able to turn the tide?
– We kept pushing, regardless of the circumstances or what the scoreboard showed. It was not easy – we lost the initiative a bit in the second period – but we really pulled ourselves together for the third. Everyone did their job well, and that is why we won.
– Your line – along with Belozyorov and Nikolishin – scored the equalizer in the first period today. You guys seem to delight the fans quite often. What is the secret to such great chemistry?
– It all comes down to hard work – the whole team puts in the effort. The main thing is that we secured two points today. As for who actually scores, that is secondary; what matters is that we are putting up goals and getting positive results.
– The team found itself trailing several times today. How important was it to stay calm and stick to your game plan?
– We did not look at the score; we just tried to play our own game. Things did not always go perfectly, but we kept working and believed until the very end.
– You trailed the opponent in shots on goal. Why was that, and how well did the team execute the game plan?
– It is hard to say – we also trailed in shots during our previous game. You cannot always outshoot your opponent, but it is great when you can manage to score while taking fewer shots.
