On March 9, 2025, Krylya Sovetov faced off against Akron in the Russian Premier League, marking their second encounter of the season. The match ended unfavorably for Krylya Sovetov, wrapping up with a score of 0:2, overshadowing their hopes to snag three points.
The match kicked off with high energy and expectations. According to pre-match betting assessments, Krylya Sovetov was considered the slight favorite with odds of 2.12 for victory. Many speculated if Artem Dzyuba would break the all-time scoring record held by Aleksandr Kerzhakov, both boasting 233 goals across competitive games prior to this match. That curiosity added to the derby’s intrigue, with fans hopeful for record-setting history on the pitch.
It did not take long for Akron to establish dominance, with Dzyuba's teammate Kuzmin scoring the opening goal only nine minutes after kickoff. The initial goal was not just significant for the team but provided a psychological edge as Krylya Sovetov struggled to recover from the early setback.
Despite their challenges, Krylya Sovetov fought hard. The team had ended their previous match with Khimki on February 25, 2025, with a 1:1 draw. That match was marked by their inability to convert offensive opportunities and solidify their defense—issues which would recurred against Akron.
Throughout the match, Krylya Sovetov pressed forward, but their efforts were hampered by poor finishing and tactical errors. Their vulnerability was evident, as they had conceded 25 goals over the last 11 matches, with their defense performing poorly since they last kept a clean sheet back in September 2024.
The turning point came late when Lonchar scored Akron’s second goal at the 83rd minute, sealing their victory. This match marked another disappointment for Krylya Sovetov, who now found themselves just one point away from the relegation zone.
The match stats painted a grim picture for the home team. Krylya Sovetov is currently ranked tenth, needing to solidify their standing quickly as the league progresses. Expert opinions before the match had predicted intense competition, with some analysts stating the need for Krylya’s players to maximize their performance. A popular view shared by betting expert Konstantin Genich reflected, "If Krylya plays to their potential, it will be tough for Akron to defeat them." Nonetheless, the reality proved otherwise.
Throughout the game, Krylya Sovetov relied heavily on standard set plays; betting markets reflected high expectations for corners, with odds at 2.15 for over 10.5 corners during the match. This was indicative of the style both teams employed to create goal-scoring opportunities.
The subplot of the match involved watching Dzyuba inch closer to setting the record. Having scored recently against Pari NN the week prior, anticipation was high for another strike. Yet, the match against Akron would not see his name added to the record books. Injuries also played their part, creating additional stress for the match; Akron lost forward Benshimol to injury earlier on.
The stakes are high for both teams as they head toward the later stages of the season. With only minimal points separating teams near the relegation zone, every match is pivotal. Meanwhile, for Akron's coach Tedeev, they had strengthened their lineup by signing defender Nedelchar before the championship restart, seeking to bolster their defense after conceding 36 goals over 19 matches.
By the conclusion of the match, reactions from fans reflected the frustration surrounding Krylya Sovetov's defensive frailties paired with the pressure of climbing the table. The team will need to reassess their strategy heading forward, as their next fixtures will determine their fate as the season approaches its climax.
Fans are left hoping for improvement. The upcoming matches will be telling for the future success and stability of Krylya Sovetov, particularly against teams they are expected to outperform. Dzyuba will surely be aiming to regain his scoring touch as the next matches approach, with renewed focus on surpassing the legendary Kerzhakov.