Armenian Footballers Over the Week: February 24 – March 3

The period from February 24 to March 3 was eventful for Armenian footballers. Some were fighting for European progression, others impressed in domestic leagues, and several marked the week with debuts or first goals for new clubs. Below is a detailed country-by-country overview for easy reading and quick reference.

It was a diverse week. In European competitions, several Armenian players logged significant minutes and were directly involved in decisive matches: Henrikh Mkhitaryan delivered a key contribution in Serie A, Nair Tiknizyan played 106 minutes in a knockout clash, and Noah had three Armenian players feature prominently away against AZ.

At the same time, productivity in national leagues stood out: Eduard Spertsyan delivered in the Russian Premier League, Tigran Barseghyan kept scoring in Slovakia, and Lucas Zelarayán once again played an important role for Belgrano. Another key storyline was youth and debuts: Finn Geragusyan scored a brace in England, Arthur Garibyan and Artur Galoyan debuted in Russia’s First League, and Harvey Saradjian opened his U.S. season with a goal.

Main Highlights of the Week

• Eduard Spertsyan — penalty goal and highest weekly rating: 8.3 (Krasnodar 2–1 Rostov).

• Henrikh Mkhitaryan — assist in Inter’s 2–0 win over Genoa.

• Nair Tiknizyan — 106 minutes vs Lille (0–2); Red Star eliminated from the Europa League 1–2 on aggregate.

• Tigran Barseghyan — goal in a 4–0 win over Spartak Trnava (rating 7.8).

• Albert Aleksanjan — first goal for Norrköping (2–0, rating 7.1).

• Harvey Sarajian — MLS Next Pro debut and a goal for Orlando City B (1–3).

• Donovan Parisian — own goal in regular time, but two saves in a penalty shootout (1–1, 4–2 on penalties).

• Finn Geragusyan — brace in the FA Youth Cup (4–1).

Italy — Serie A

Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Inter Milan)

On February 28, in a Serie A match against Genoa CFC (2–0), Mkhitaryan played 59 minutes and was instrumental in the decisive moment of the game. He provided the assist to Federico Dimarco for the winning goal.
SofaScore rating: 7.0

European Competitions — Conference League

FC Noah — Historic Campaign Ends

On February 26, Noah concluded a European campaign that will remain a significant chapter for both the club and Armenian football. In the UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 32 second leg, they lost away to AZ Alkmaar — 0–4.

Goals for AZ: Sven Mijnans (brace), Ro-Zangelo Daal, Troy Parrott.
AZ advanced 4–1 on aggregate.

Noah players in the match:

• Hovhannes Hambardzumyan — 58 minutes (5.9)

• Sergey Muradyan — 80 minutes (6.0)

• Gor Manvelyan — subbed on in the 80th minute (6.5)

Europa League — Tiknizyan’s Dramatic Exit

Nair Tiknizyan (Red Star Belgrade)

On February 26, Red Star were eliminated from the Europa League after losing 0–2 at home to Lille OSC.

Despite winning the first leg 1–0, they lost 1–2 on aggregate. Tiknizyan started and played 106 minutes, including extra time.
SofaScore rating: 7.0

In the Serbian league, he also played 17 minutes against Radnički 1923 (rating 6.8).

Argentina — Leaders Deliver

Lucas Zelarayán (Belgrano)

On February 25, Belgrano defeated Atlético Tucumán 3–1. Zelarayán assisted the second goal with a precise through ball.

Belgrano now lead the league with 15 points. This season: 2 goals and 1 assist in 6 matches.
Rating: 6.5

Other Armenian players in Argentina:

• Norberto Briasco (Barracas Central) — 25 minutes vs Argentinos Juniors (1–1), 6.6

• Tomás Adoryán (Banfield) — 32 minutes vs River Plate (1–3), 6.5

England — Geragusyan Shines

Finn Geragusyan (Sunderland AFC U18/U21)

On February 24, the 18-year-old striker scored twice in the FA Youth Cup Round of 16, helping Sunderland U18 defeat Brighton U18 4–1.

He also played a full match against Crystal Palace U21 (1–0) in Premier League 2.

Russia — Goals and Debuts

Eduard Spertsyan (FC Krasnodar)

On February 28, Krasnodar defeated FC Rostov 2–1 to stay top of the table. Spertsyan won and converted a penalty in the 8th minute.
Rating: 8.3

Other notes:

• Khoren Bayramyan (Rostov) — subbed on in the 83rd minute.

• Tigran Avanesyan (Orenburg) — debut start, 71 minutes in 2–0 win vs Akron (6.5).

Rodina — Two Armenian Debuts

Rodina defeated Shinnik 2–1 on March 2.

• Arshak Koryan — started but left injured (28’).

• Arthur Garibyan — debuted in the 86th minute.

• Artur Galoyan (Shinnik) — full 90 minutes in his club debut.

Sweden — First Goal

Albert Aleksanjan (IFK Norrköping)

On February 28 in the Swedish Cup, Norrköping defeated Landskrona 2–0. Aleksanyan scored in the 14th minute — his first goal for the club.
Two matches: 1 goal + 1 assist.
Rating: 7.1

Slovakia — Barseghyan on Fire

Tigran Barseghyan (ŠK Slovan Bratislava)

On February 28, Slovan thrashed FC Spartak Trnava 4–0. Barseghyan scored for the second consecutive match.
Rating: 7.8

United States — Debut & Penalty Drama

Harvey Sarajian (Orlando City B)

On March 3, in MLS Next Pro, Orlando City B lost 1–3 to Huntsville. Sarajian debuted and scored his team’s only goal.

Donovan Parisian (New England Revolution II)

In a 1–1 draw vs Atlanta United 2, Parisian scored an own goal in regular time but redeemed himself by saving two penalties in a 4–2 shootout win.

Germany

• Grant-Leon Ranos (Eintracht Braunschweig) — 83’ vs Münster (1–2), 6.7

• Styopa Mkrtchyan (Nürnberg) — unused substitute

• Mike Gevorgyan (Unterhaching) — two full matches, one assist

• Mark Gevorgyan (Hannover 2) — full 90 minutes

• Sargis Adamyan (Köln 2) — 67 minutes

Other Countries

• Hungary: Georgiy Harutyunyan (Puskás Akadémia) — 90 minutes (1–2, rating 6.0)

• Poland: Vahan Bichakhchyan (Legia) — 70 minutes (2–2, rating 6.2)

• Romania: Narek Grigoryan (Farul) — 62 minutes (1–2, rating 6.2)

• Greece: Aventis Aventisyan (PAE Chania) and Garabet Takesyan (Egaleo) both featured as substitutes

• Italy Primavera: Ayrik Balasanov (Monopoli U19) — goal off the bench

• Serbia: Ognen Chancharevich (IMT) — clean sheet (0–0, rating 6.6)

Summary

It was a productive week for Armenian midfielders and a debut-filled stretch across several leagues. The upcoming round will draw special attention to the Milan derby featuring Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while anticipation builds for the return of the Armenian Premier League.