Artem Dzyuba, the dynamic forward of Tolyatti’s Akron, etched his name alongside Russian football greats by scoring his 233rd career goal during the 19th round of the Russian Premier League (RPL) match against Nizhny Novgorod's Pari NN. This milestone, achieved during the 70th minute of the match, allowed him to equal Alexander Kerzhakov's record as one of the leading scorers in Russian football history.
The match, which took place on February 29, 2025, saw Dzyuba's goal coming as Akron trailed behind 2-1. This goal not only emphasizes Dzyuba's pivotal role within his team but also marks him as one of the most significant figures in the league's annals.
Meanwhile, CSKA Moscow’s head coach, Marco Nikolic, expressed confidence leading up to their high-stakes match against Zenit St. Petersburg, slated for March 2, 2025, at 16:30. Speaking during an interview on Match TV, Nikolic stated, "We did good training sessions. I am happy with everything. Yes, we did not have reinforcements...we will rely on our youth players, progressing well and showing potential. We understand our opponent well; Zenit is a super-quality team, and it won't be easy, but we will give our all."
Despite the absence of new signings, Nikolic is optimistic about leveraging the existing talent within his squad as they prepare for what promises to be a challenging encounter with Zenit. The coach noted the difficulties posed by the loss of midfielder Zdelar but added, "This slightly hindered us. But we can cope with it."
On the injury front, Arsen Zakharian, the promising Russian midfielder currently playing for Real Sociedad, has been ruled out of the upcoming La Liga clash against Barcelona due to a muscle injury sustained during the match against Leganés on February 25, where he scored the opening goal. The club's press service confirmed his condition, stating, "Arsen will not go with the team to Barcelona. He is working hard but still feels muscle pain."
The match against Barcelona is scheduled for March 2, and Zakharian's absence will undoubtedly be felt by Real Sociedad. Zakharian's performance this season has been commendable, with four matches under his belt, one goal scored, and one assist. His development is eagerly watched, and fans will be hoping for his swift recovery.
Overall, the developments surrounding key players like Dzyuba and Zakharian highlight both the potential and challenges faced by teams within the Russian football league and beyond. With Dzyuba's performance tying him to the elite of Russian football and Nikolic's assertion of confidence as his squad faces off against formidable opponents, the upcoming matches promise to be thrilling showcases of talent and resilience.