In a highly anticipated clash in the 23rd round of the MIR Russian Premier League (RPL), Voronezh's Fakel will host Grozny's Akhmat at the Fakel arena today, April 5, 2025. The match is set to kick off at 15:15 Moscow time, marking a significant moment for Fakel as it will be the first match under new head coach Igor Shalimov, who has taken over from Dmitry Pyatibratov.
Fakel, currently battling relegation, finds itself in a precarious position, sitting 15th in the league standings with just 14 points after 22 matches. The team has struggled at home, managing only 9 points from a possible 30 and scoring a mere 4 goals in 10 home games. Their recent form has been dismal, suffering five consecutive defeats, including a heavy 0-5 loss to Krasnodar in the previous round. Shalimov's appointment comes as a desperate attempt to revive the team's fortunes, and today's match against Akhmat presents a crucial opportunity to secure much-needed points.
In contrast, Akhmat is slightly better positioned, sitting in 14th place with 19 points. They are also fighting to avoid relegation, being just 2 points away from the safety of 12th place. Despite their position, Akhmat has shown resilience, not losing in their last seven official matches, which includes four draws and three victories. Their last outing ended in a 0-0 stalemate against Spartak, demonstrating their ability to hold strong defensively.
The two teams faced off earlier in the season in a thrilling encounter in Grozny, where Fakel emerged victorious with a score of 3-2. This previous victory could provide Fakel with a psychological edge going into today’s match, but Akhmat will be eager to turn the tables and break their losing streak against their rivals.
As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the stakes are high. For Fakel, a win could ignite their fight for survival, while for Akhmat, securing three points is essential to maintain their distance from the relegation zone. The match promises to be an intense battle, with both teams desperate for a positive result.
Fakel's starting lineup for the match features goalkeeper Gudev, with a defensive line of Bozhin, Dziov, Senhadzhi, Alshin, and Yakimov. The midfield includes Lomovitskiy, Kvekveskiri, and Brahimi, while the attack is led by Ilyin and Kashtanov. On the other hand, Akhmat will field goalkeeper Shelia, with defenders Adamov, Ibyshev, Todorovich, and Gandri, alongside midfielders Kamirov, Ismael Silva, and Sadulaev, and forwards Talal, Melkadze, and Samorodov.
Fans can catch the live broadcast of the match starting at 15:10 Moscow time on the MATCH PREMIER channel, with additional coverage available on matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru. With both teams eager to secure a vital win, the atmosphere at the Fakel arena is expected to be electric.
As the match unfolds, all eyes will be on Shalimov to see if he can inspire his team to a much-needed victory, while Akhmat will look to build on their recent unbeaten run and finally claim a win against Fakel. The battle for survival in the RPL intensifies as these two teams clash in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.
