In a thrilling clash that showcased the fierce rivalry between Moscow giants, CSKA Moscow edged past Spartak Moscow with a nail-biting 2-1 victory in the 26th round of the MIR Russian Premier League on April 26, 2025. The match, held at Spartak's home ground, the Luzhniki Stadium, drew an electric atmosphere as both teams battled not just for points, but for pride in this storied derby.
The game kicked off at 19:30 Moscow time, and both teams were eager to assert their dominance early on. Spartak, currently sitting in third place with 50 points, was looking to solidify their position, while CSKA, with 48 points in fourth, aimed to leapfrog their rivals in the standings.
Spartak's starting lineup featured goalkeeper and captain Aleksandr Maksimenko, alongside Daniil Denisov, Alexis Duarte, Srđan Babić, Daniil Prutsev, Nail Umyarov, Christopher Martins, Theo Bongonda, Esequiel Barco, Marquinhos, and Manfred Ugalde. CSKA countered with their own formidable squad, including goalkeeper and captain Igor Akinfeev, Milan Gajić, Dzhamauldin Abdukadyrov, Willian Rocha, Moises, Ivan Obljakov, Miralem Pjanić, Matvey Kislyak, Abbos Fayzullaev, Sekou Koita, and Saúl Guarirapa.
The first half unfolded with both teams exchanging blows, but it was CSKA who struck first. In the 44th minute, Miralem Pjanić delivered a well-placed corner kick that found the head of Saúl Guarirapa, who expertly directed the ball into the far corner of the net, putting CSKA ahead 1-0 just before the halftime whistle.
As the second half commenced, Spartak ramped up their efforts to equalize. They dominated possession with 67% of the ball and completed 529 passes compared to CSKA's 260. However, CSKA's defense held firm, absorbing the pressure while looking for counter-attack opportunities.
Spartak finally broke through in the 87th minute when Esequiel Barco was awarded a penalty after the ball struck the hand of Dzhamauldin Abdukadyrov in the box. Barco stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, sending the ball into the left corner of the net, leveling the score at 1-1 and igniting hope among the home fans.
However, the drama didn’t end there. Just two minutes later, on the 89th minute, CSKA's Kristijan Bistrović responded swiftly, scoring with a precise shot to the left lower corner after receiving a pass from Rifat Zhamaletdinov. This late goal sent the CSKA supporters into a frenzy, restoring their lead at 2-1.
Despite nine minutes of added time, Spartak was unable to find another equalizer. The match ended with a moment of frustration for Spartak as Srđan Babić received a second yellow card and was sent off in the dying moments of the match, leaving Spartak to finish with ten men.
In terms of statistics, while Spartak had a clear advantage in possession and total attempts, CSKA was more efficient with their shots on goal, registering four attempts on target compared to Spartak's three. The match also saw a total of 13 fouls committed by Spartak and 12 by CSKA, highlighting the fierce competition on the pitch.
With this victory, CSKA climbed to third place in the league standings with 51 points, while Spartak dropped to fourth place with 50 points. The result not only impacts the current standings but also adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between these two clubs.
As fans reflect on the match, the tactical battle, and the emotional rollercoaster, it’s clear that this derby delivered excitement, drama, and a reminder of why these encounters are so eagerly anticipated in Russian football.
