CSKA Moscow's hopes for glory in the Winline Winter Cup were dashed as they fell to Krasnodar, losing 2-1 in the match for third place on February 10, 2023, held in Abu Dhabi. The standout performer was Krasnodar's striker John Cordoba, who netted both of his team's goals, earning himself the title of man of the match.
Reflecting on the match, CSKA defender Matvey Lukin commented during the post-match show on Match TV, stating, "What to do with Cordoba? Nothing, he is just another ordinary footballer. There are no bad players, only good ones, and he's one of them. You need to stay focused and counter him. It’s important to impose your own game and not adapt to his. He scored today twice; well done, but we’ll see how he performs during the season." This acknowledgment of Cordoba’s talents came after the striker's impressive display left CSKA with tough lessons to learn.
Despite the loss, Lukin emphasized the utility of the game for their preparation, saying, "The score isn’t what we wanted. We lost, but we still prepare for the season. Our main task is to perform well during the championship. We got good exercise today. Everything is going according to plan. I believe we will see different results during the regular season.”
The match displayed the intensity of competition, with CSKA feeling they had the upper hand for stretches. Ivan Oblakov, another CSKA midfielder, expressed his disappointment but noted their performance strengths. "I believe we outplayed Krasnodar on chances. We made two errors, but I think we could have sealed the match's outcome earlier,” Oblakov said. He also highlighted his role in setting up Rifat Zhemaletdinov's goal, stating, "It was a well-rehearsed set piece; I delivered well, and Rifat scored with his head. Of course, I take set pieces when I’m trusted, so it's all worth it—but we need to win these matches."
Notably, CSKA's defeat left them with fourth place, whereas Krasnodar secured third. Earlier on the same day, Rostov thrashed Dynamo Moscow 4-0 to claim fifth place. The final for the Winter Cup will feature Spartak Moscow against Zenit, set to be broadcast live on Match TV.
CSKA's coach, Marko Nikolich, had his own reflections on the game, asserting, "This was our best performance at the Winter Cup. We aimed to play well and learn rather than winning at all costs." His comments echoed the sentiments of his players, focusing on growth rather than disappointment. "We will continue dealing with mistakes; it’s certainly important to identify areas needing improvement,” he added.
The match also showcased the challenges faced by Krasnodar, who had earlier suffered setbacks, including their loss to Spartak and had to work hard to overcome Dynamo with key players like Vitório Tormena discounted due to double yellow cards. Cordoba, aware of the pressure, mentioned, "I am always hungry for goals and wins, it’s just my nature as a player. I have to keep pushing to develop myself.” His determination was evident, especially after entering this match coming off mixed performances.
Looking forward, both teams are adjusting their strategies as they gear up for the start of the Russian Premier League regular season. CSKA fans remain hopeful, taking solace from Lukin’s remarks about the team's preparation and Nikolich’s confidence in overcoming their recent struggles.
Sports analysts have highlighted the significance of these tournaments, especially as they provide teams like CSKA valuable experience against tough opponents. With the league season approaching, retaining morale and learning from this match may prove pivotal for CSKA as they aim to bounce back stronger.