From Armenia to the Top of the World

Pyunik Watch!

The Score:


Pyunik won in the UEFA Europa League First Qualifying Round, at home, 1-0. Viulen Ayvazyan, scoring in his second European game in a row, scored in the dying minutes of injury time, to the joy of the Pyunik fans.

Could Pyunik go further than the second Qualifying Round? They face Lithuanian outfit Zalgiris, who shockingly defeated St. Patrick's Athletic 4-3 on aggregate.

The next Qualifying Round is next week, so stay tuned for more real-life results on Pyunik.

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Pre-Season, Transfers and more as Hamoudi Signs on a New Contract

"We have a lot of information today on Pyunik at the Armenian Football Gazette. Transfers, Pre-Season Friendlies, Contract Signings, and Kit Unveilings, Pyunik fans will be pleased today, that's for sure."

"First off, Pyunik announced on their website that they are pleased to confirm the contract extension of Hamoudi Fayad's current contract, and he was very pleased to. He also confirmed that he took a wage cut by 300 Pounds, which means he is currently on 200 pounds a week. He said the reason why he took a wage cut was because he cared about the club more than about the money he earns. Pyunik fans, you have just been told that your manager is as committed to the club as ever."

"Next we have the Pre-Season Friendlies. Pyunik had a 100% record, winning every game. They went up against the likes of Turkish Amateur team Igdirispor to domestic friendlies against Banants.

Here are the results:


"Mkrtii was definitely the star of the pre-season, scoring 14 in 9 games."

"Meanwhile, Chairman Samvel Alexanyan unveiled the new kits for the next 2 seasons. They had a new look than the normal white Home Kit they currently have. Here are the new look of the kits:"



"Lotto is the brand for Pyunik, and LimeTV is the sponsor. A blue and white striped kit as the Home Kit, and a dark and a lime green colour for the Away Kit. A change in colour this season, will the Pyunik fans like it?"

"Finally, the Transfer Window is over. Here are Pyunik's acquisitions and departures:"


"The only other person to be signed was Ildar Zainutdinov on a free transfer. Aram Loretsayn, David Hakobyan, Varrdan Movsisyan are some of the people who left Pyunik."

"With the season starting in a few days, can Pyunik win the league again?"

First Quarter of the Season: The SuperCup Final and an Odd Start

"In the First Quarter of the Season, we had 7 Premier League games and the SuperCup Final against Banants. We lost it last year against Ulisses, so hopefully we can win it this year. Also, our best start to a season was 6 wins and a draw, I would like to make that 7 wins in a row this year."

Premier League

"We started off in the best way possible, a 7-2 Home win against Ararat. 2 wins later, we come up against Gandzasar who were leading 2-0 in the 65th against us. By the 90th minute, I said that we couldn't get the 7 wins, but then Arakelyan scored. I said to myself then, we did well to come back before my life flashed before my eyes, another goal for Yedigaryan as we win the game! Our confidence was high, until morale was shattered at the Hrazdan, losing 2-0 against Ulisses. A poor home draw against Banants was to follow before we lost to Shirak in another appalling performance by our defence. A tough 2 months, and a tough start."

Current League Position = 2nd, 1 point behind Ulisses.

SuperCup Final

The League Winners (Pyunik) against the Cup Winners (Banants).

The Result:


"We lost after completely dominating the game in every part except for shots on target, only having 1 out of around 10. A poor attacking display."

Player of the 1/4

Viulen Ayvazyan

Games: 5
Goals: 3
Assists: 5
Avg Rating: 7.9

"A mature, class and respectful player. Viulen Ayvazyan, is the full package. He's only 21, although soon he will be getting his first Armenian Cap. He is one of the candidates to succeed Artak Yedigaryan along with Ghuka, our current Vice-Captain." -Hamoudi Fayad

Second Quarter of the Season: 100%

"Now we move on to the Second Quarter of the Season, with 7 Premier League Games and an Independence Cup Second Round Game against Banants-2. I don't think we can get 100% after our rocky start, but we have made a totally new tactic and hopefully it will work out."

Premier League

"7 wins! 100% record! Not what I expected but certainly what I wanted! And who was the star of the 7 games? Viulen Ayvazyan, AGAIN. What a player he, if he keeps up his current form, his 1st Armenian Cap will definitely be here soon. A hat-trick for Mkrtii also in one game to edge him closer and closer to the Pyunik Yerevan League Goal Record of 89, set by former Pyunik Player Arsen Avetisyan. Ghuka, who had a bad start to the season is starting to show his potential again. Overall, a great month!

Independence Cup

"We were drawn against Banants-2 (the Youth team of fellow Premier League Team Banants) Away from home, a very easy game."



"6-1, a fantastic win and a hat-trick by Viulen Ayvazyan to keep up his amazing run of form! Onto the next round, we have been drawn against:


Gandzasar Kapan

Player of the 2/4

Viulen Ayvazyan

Games: 7
Goals: 8
Assists: 1
Avg Rating: 7.9

"Well, what can I say? Another fantastic 2 months for the player, and now he has been on the top of his game for 4 straight months! Hopefully he can carry this form into Europe so we can get farther than we ever did!" -Hamoudi Fayad

Mid-Season Update

"Last season we didn't reach the Group Stages of the Europa League, only reaching the Play-Off Round. Despite that, we managed to get a higher CoEfficient Ranking than last season's 28th"



"We went up to 24th, which didn't affect the European Qualification Places yet."



"Although, it managed to raise our competition Ranking a bit higher, and our prize money for the league has improved too!"




"Finally, the bad news, which is our club ranking:"



"I understand why we dropped down, purely because we couldn't reach the Group Stages of the Europa League."

Armenia's World Ranking

#114

"Hoping Arkadi Yepremyan gets sacked soon, the Armenian National Team is becoming worse every month!"

Third Quarter of the Season: Lots of Games

"We had 7 games in the League as usual, and 1 game in the Cup against Gandzasar. We also have Europe this month, but that will be in the next update, separately."

Premier League

"5 wins, very good wins. Although we drew once and lost once, the loss wasn't really to blame on the players as Mika were on top form that day. As you can see, Viulen Ayvazyan continues banging in them goals…"

Independence Cup

"A match against Gandzasar, we could easily reach the Semi-Finals."



"A Nice 3-0, love it!"

Player of the 3/4

Viulen Ayvazyan

Games: 6
Goals: 6
Assists: 2
Avg Rating: 7.9

"Well, when you win 'Star Player' for 3 Periods/6 Months in a row, you know you're having a GREAT season. I could easily say Viulen has won our Player of The Season because he just won't stop!" -Hamoudi Fayad

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UEFA Champions League: The Play-Offs?

"Well, now it is time for Europe. We won the league last season therefore we are placed in the Champions League Second Qualifying Round. No Armenian team has ever reached the Play-Off, therefore that will be our target for this season, although I won't be too disheartened. Anyways we have been drawn against:


FK Dinamo Tbilisi (Georgia)

"Dinamo Tbilisi from Georgia. We are the favorites so I definitely expect a win."

Pyunik vs. Dinamo Tbilisi, 13.7.2016, Leg 1, UCL 2nd Qualifying Round

"A good win, with a late goal from who else but Ayvazyan to save the day. A good win and I am not too concerned about their away goal because we just lacked firepower today, so if we are good next week then they should beware."

Dinamo Tbilisi vs. Pyunik, 20.7.2016, Leg 2, UCL 2nd Qualifying Round

"Exactly what I meant! Our attack today was top notch, and again, who scores? Viulen Ayvazyan. Also, he didn't just score 1 goal, he scored FOUR! 3rd Qualifying Round Next, and we are drawn against…"


Partizan (Serbia)

"Partizan, the team that we beat to get our first Group Stage win in Europe, so we can definitely beat them again! Although, they are slight favorites so if we lose I won't be disheartened."

Pyunik vs. Partizan, 27.7.2016, Leg 1, UCL 3rd Qualifying Round

"Wow! I didn't even expect it! A 4-1 win at home, I had a hunch that we were going to win easily! Also, 2 goals from 18-year old Albert Zarubjan, getting both goals in only his first European outing."

Partizan vs. Pyunik, 3.8.2016, Leg 2, UCL 3rd Qualifying Round

"A 2-2 draw, but we still go through. I was kind of shocked when we scored 2 in 2 minutes in the first half, and then I knew we won. Now, we are in the play-off round. This is how I have analyzed it.

If we win = UCL Group Stages
If we lose = UEL Group Stages

There are a few big teams, and a few small teams.

If we come up against = Dinamo (Croatia), BATE (Belarus), Celtic (Scotland), Basel (Switzerland), Kobenhavn (Denmark), Galatasaray (Turkey) or Panathinaikos (Greece), then I will be happy if we even score.

If we come up against = Austria Wien (Austria), Zeljeznicar (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Shamrock Rovers (Ireland) or Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic), then I expect a win.

The Draw

FK Austria Wien vs. FC Kobenhavn…
…Celtic vs. Pyunik Yerevan…


Celtic

"We were playing against Celtic. I guess that's us to the Europa League Group Stages."

Celtic vs. Pyunik, 16.8.2016, Leg 1, UCL Play-Off Round

"A 3-1 loss away from home, at least we got an away goal. We need to win 2-0 at Home to qualify, and even though its not possible, we will try our best!"

Pyunik vs. Celtic, 24.8.2016, Leg 2, UCL Play-Off Round

"We couldn't do it, in fact, we played even worse than the last game, losing 5-1. They were just too much for us."

4/4: The End of the Season, The Cup Semi-Final, and the Europa League Group Stages

"We have a very exciting quarter as the league is coming to an end, the Cup Semi-Final was also played, while we learnt our fate in the Europa League. We will start off with the Europa League Group…"



"A tough group. Let's analyze it:
Tottenham, who now have the likes of Balotelli, Hernandez, Shawcross and have kept Bale, we really don't stand a chance.
Werder Bremen, led by former Bayern striker Nils Petersen, they do look like quite a good team and the most I expect is a point at home.
FK Austria Wien, the easiest of the group. We need 6 points from those 2 games, and a lucky win against Werder to get to the knockout stages but I would be very happy with just 6 points as we have been handed a tough group.

Premier League

"We win 5, lose 1 and draw 1. I personally didn't care about the losses because what happened in the end?"



"We still won the league! 4 times in a row, and now if we win the Cup this season and complete a double, it will be our best season yet, and imagine all the financial prizes from the League, Cup, and Europa League! This club is going to be a force by 2020, well, I hope so."

Independence Cup

"The semi-final was away at Impuls Dilijan, I fielded out a weakened side to avoid any injuries as already Viulen Ayvazyan, Mamuka Kobkhidze, and Ghuka are injured. It should've been an easy game, but it ended up 0-0 after 120 minutes.

Penalties

Black - Pyunik
Blue - Impuls

(1) Eddy Mkhitaryan steps up first for Pyunik Yerevan in his first penalty shoot-out, Pyunik have never won a penalty shoot-out under Hamoudi… and he SCORES! The 19-year old is celebrating on his knees, he was happy with that!

(1) Arsen Stepanyan goes first for Impuls and he chips it but its SAVED! The 18-year old Russian Goalkeeper Garik Krbashyan saves it beautifully! 1-0 to Pyunik!

(2) Artak Dashyan… take the penalty… a calm run-up by the 27-year old and SCORES! No chance for the Goalkeeper of Impuls!

(2) Aghvan Mkrtchyan, against his former club, can he score? NO, ITS SAVED AGAIN! Garik Krbashyan is on his way to become a hero for Pyunik! Could he be the man to save Pyunik from their penalty woes? 2-0 to Pyunik!

(3) Artak Yedigaryan… what a finish! He SCORES! The Pyunik Captain puts it in the left corner while the Impuls 'keeper had no chance!

(3) Sargsyan steps up and he's BLASTED IT IN! The Impuls' fans go wild! 3-1 Pyunik!

(4) Mkrtii can win the penalty shoot-out for Pyunik, he steps up and MISSES! Impuls can get back into this if they score!

(4) Vahagn Ayvazyan steps up, could he get Impuls back in the game and he SCORES! 3-2 Pyunik!

(5) Ghuka can win it for Pyunik, can he do it? Yes he does and HE SCORES! THE PLAYERS RUN AROUND THE FIELD! HAMOUDI TAKES PYUNIK TO ANOTHER CUP FINAL! THE IMPULS' FANS ARE BOOING BUT FAYAD DOESN'T CARE AS HE CHEERS WITH THE PLAYERS!

Final Score: 0-0 AET (4-2, PSO)

"We are off to the Final against Shirak Gyumri, can we win!?"

Player of the 4/4

Viulen Ayvazyan

Games: 4
Goals: 5
Assists: 1
Avg Rating: 8.1

"Yes, he has done it. He has won Player of the Quarter for the 4th time in a row, no player has been more inspirational for Pyunik this season and he had definitely won Player of the Season for me! We are in contract talks and hope to extend his contract until 2021." -Hamoudi Fayad

The Independence Cup Final

"Tonight, we have one of the biggest matches in the History of Armenian Football. Hamoudi Fayad's Pyunik Yerevan will go up against Vardan Bichakhchyan's Shirak Gyumri in the Armenian Independence Cup Final. Both managers will want to get a hand on the trophy today when the final whistle blows, because as we know they are fierce rivals, being 2 of the best managers in Armenia."

"The match will start at 17:30 GMT, or 19:30 AMT (Armenian Time). It will be played at the Armenian National Stadium, named after Vazgen Sargsyan - the name in full: Vazgen Sargsyan Hanrapetakan Stadium in the Capital Yerevan. Pyunik Yerevan and the Armenian National Team are it's tenants."



"The record of attendance in the Final of the Independence Cup is around 5702, set by Pyunik Yerevan's fans in this Stadium. Could that change? As we have seen their fans break the League Attendance Record this season, so we may see an incoming record."

"The match will be refereed by Armen Barseghyan, who in his last 3 games, has the oddest of refereeing performances. He refereed a match between Pyunik and Impuls but the Armenian FA gave him a rating of 3.6 out of 10, while in the next 2 games, he was rated 10 and 9.5 respectively."

"Now before we get info on the line-ups. We will have a bit of info on both teams.
Pyunik and Mika have won the Independence Cup the most, winning it 6 times each. Shirak has NEVER won the Independence Cup.
On the Road to the Final: Pyunik have defeated Banants-2, Gandzasar, and Impuls. While Shirak defeated Pyunik-2, Banants, and Ulisses."

"We have just got news of the line-ups:
Pyunik: Krbashyan; Yedigaryan, Asoyan, Andonian, Mejia; Ghuka, Dashyan, Arakelyan, Bazanov, V Poghosyan; Mkrtii
Subs: Ohanyan, Kulik, Pavlov, E Mkhitaryan, Voskanyan, K Hovhannisyan, Zainutdinov

Shirak: Harutyunyan; G Poghosyan, Nikolyan, Ndouma, Minasyan; Tigranyan, Manucharyan; Tosunyan, Grigoryan, Ly; Markarov
Subs: Melikan, G Petrosyan, Davtyan, Asatryan, A Khachataryan, Yagan, A Mkrtchyan

"Pyunik are missing Star Player Viulen Ayvazyan, can they cope without him?"

Shirak = Orange - Pyunik = Blue

First-Half

"00:00 - The match is about to begin and… the whistle blows! Pyunik kick off! It is packed here tonight, the figures say it is around 11,150. Pyunik fans have broken the attendance record!"

…

"41:20 - A free-kick to Shirak, Manucharyan steps up to take it, around 19 yards away from the goal. He shoots, and it hits the bar! It hits Krbashyan but to the Pyunik fans' delight it goes out for a corner! Grigoryan takes the corner… Yedigaryan clears it for another corner! Ly takes it this time, against his former club, Andonian clears and the ball goes to Mkrtii before he loses possession… The only highlight in an extremely boring game."

"47:00 - Half-Time at the VSH Stadium, nil-nil. A drab match so far."

Second-Half

"45:00 - Gagik Tosunyan is taken off for Ara Mkrtchyan."

"45:01- Shirak kick off!"

"48:39 - A throw-in for Shirak, Minasyan throws it to Mkrtchyan who passes it to Manucharyan, he passes it to Tigranyan, who plays it slowly to Markarov, and plays it back to Manucharyan and Tigranyan in a passing triangle. It goes all the way back to Ndouma, who passes it yards forward to Ly… he dribbles Arakelyan, Ly SHOOTS! Its saved by Krbashyan but Grigoryan gets the rebound and SCORES! SHIRAK ARE 1-0 UP! BEAUTIFUL PASSING, ONE-NIL SHIRAK!"

PYUNIK 0-1 SHIRAK

"51:13 - Ildar Zainutdinov is brought on for Mkrtii who has had a bad game."

"58:24 - Alexandr Bazanov (injured) is taken off for Victor Kulik."

"63:57 - Andrey Pavlov is brought on for Artak Dashyan."

"64:19 - Narek Davtyan is brought on for Artashes Manucharyan."

"66:31 - Krbashyan takes the goal kick, Ghuka reaches up to head it to Valter Poghosyan, who loses the ball and it goes back to Nikolyan in the Shirak defense… Valter Poghosyan intercepts, he runs down the right flank, crosses the ball into the box to Ghuka and HE SCORES! WHAT A FINISH THAT WAS! 1-1!"

PYUNIK 1-1 SHIRAK

"67:51 - Gagik Petrosyan is brought on for the injured Ara Mkrtchyan."

"93:27 - 1-1, the teams go to extra time, 2 halves of 15 minutes each. Stay tuned."

Extra-Time

"90:00 - Pyunik kick-off!"

"92:52 - …Yedigaryan, passes it to Valter Poghosyan, who passes it to Pavlov, and then passes it back to Yedigaryan. Zainutdinov receives the ball and gives it to Poghosyan, who gives it back to Yedigaryan, and back to Mejia who is now operating as an attacking full-back, passes it back to Poghosyan, and now Yedigaryan runs into the box and receives the ball, he crosses it! It deflects off Tigranyan and Pavlov SHOOTS! GOAL! 2-1! A GREAT PASSING GAME BY PYUNIK! 2-1 UP NOW, THEY'VE TURNED THIS AROUND!!"

PYUNIK 2-1 SHIRAK

"97:33 - Zainutdinov with the ball at the half-way line, passes it to Ghuka as he runs down the left flank! He stops, looks for a pass but then runs down the flank again! He's not stopping at any moment here and he's reached the end of the pitch and he crosses! Pavlov meets the cross and its going in! NO! IT HITS THE POST! BUT WAIT ITS GONE IN! IT HITS HARUTYUNYAN ON THE BACK AND IT GOES IN! 3-1 TO PYUNIK YEREVAN AND THEY ARE RUNNING AWAY WITH THE TITLE!"

PYUNIK 3-1 SHIRAK

…

2nd Half - Extra Time

…

…

"120:11 - Pyunik are attacking, could they get a 4th? But no, Ndouma heads it away and the referee BLOWS THE WHISTLE! PYUNIK ARE CHAMPIONS!! AMAZING SCENES HERE AT THE VSH!"



"So we won the Cup for the 2nd time under me, that's another cup win ticked off the list, 8 more to go. That's the double completed, if only we won the SuperCup this season to complete the treble."

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