On March 17, 2025, the symbolic team of the 21st round of the Russian Premier League (RPL) was announced, with three players from Spartak Moscow being recognized for their outstanding performances. According to subscribers of the MATCH PREMIER Telegram channel, Igor Akinfeev from CSKA was named as the goalkeeper. The defenders include Daniil Denisov of Spartak, Dzhemal Tabidze, and Valentin Pal'tsev from Dynamo Moscow, alongside Aleksandr Silyanov from Lokomotiv.
The midfield was notable for featuring Moses Kobnan of Krasnodar, Nail Umyarov, and Kristofer Martins from Spartak, as well as Artur Gomes from Dynamo Moscow. Up front, Kirill Glebov of CSKA and Dmitry Vorobyev of Lokomotiv rounded out the selection.
Fans of Spartak celebrated passionately during their match against Zenit, where approximately 40,000 supporters created an electric atmosphere, pivotal to the team's victory. Nikita Chernov, one of the prominent players of the match, stated, "Spartak was angrier, more aggressive, and more charged than Zenit during the game.” This intense sentiment among fans undoubtedly motivated the players to perform at their best.
Reflecting on the game, Chernov emphasized the significant role of the home crowd, saying, “They played a decisive role in the victory over Zenit.” The match saw Spartak triumph over their rivals, adding depth to their ambitions for the championship.
Meanwhile, Artem Dzyuba’s recent return to the national team has stirred excitement. His involvement has drawn mixed reactions, with some observers noting his impact on team morale. Dzyuba himself expressed disbelief at his inclusion, recalling his initial thoughts, "I thought it was a prank" when he received the call from coach Valery Karpin. After training with the national team, Dzyuba, who has been described as one of the happiest players within the squad, revealed, "That moment was special. It felt like I was returning home.” His comments reflect the broader hopes pinned on the national team as they prepare for upcoming competitions.
Hopes for Spartak's season remain high, particularly with Khlestov commenting on the club’s pursuit of gold, even as he noted, “There are many rounds ahead, but we must forget the game with Zenit.” This pragmatic approach suggests the club is focused on maintaining momentum as the season progresses.
About the future challenges, Dzyuba recognizes the tenacity of upcoming opponents, describing Granada as “a country of pirates” who will fight fiercely, noting, “We need to score; this is my last dance.” Such statements underline the urgency and the weight of expectations placed on the players.
Supporters have noted the enthusiastic atmosphere at matches, with the excitement even drawing comparisons. Dmitry Andreev remarked, "I received immense pleasure from the game between Spartak and Zenit," signifying the thrills such high-stakes encounters bring to fans and players alike.
Nevertheless, there are concerns about officiation and on-field decisions impacting the outcomes of key matches. Spartak player Barkov deemed the referee Ivanova’s decisions during the match with Zenit correct but also hinted at the need for consistency and transparency. Meanwhile, analysts like Lapochkin argued there were grounds for showing Babich a second yellow card during the match, reflecting the typical discussions surrounding officiation standards.
Looking at broader league dynamics, commentators have speculated on the championship race. Gorshkov suggested, “After the 21st round, the battle for victory has intensified,” hinting at the competitiveness of this season. Observers are curious about whether Zenit can keep pace with Spartak, as both teams vie for the top spot.
The battle for supremacy within the league has fans on the edge of their seats, with many pondering if Zenit and Spartak will hold their positions of power. Commentators continue to analyze each team’s strategies as they prepare for future matchups.
With the next match for Barcelona against Osasuna set for March 27, following its postponement due to unforeseen circumstances, attention remains high on various international football events and their alignment with domestic leagues.
Returning to Spartak, their recent acknowledgment as one of the league's standout teams has spurred conversations about the potential for championship glory. Commenting on this success, Guberniev stated, “Such Spartak is already fighting for the championship.” This prideful statement reflects the resurgence of the club as they aim for the RPL title.
Continued support from fans, the resilience of players, and strategic gameplay are all elements coming together to define this year’s RPL. With the symbolic selection reflecting the talent within the league, and fans rallying support, the passion for football continues to thrive within the Russian Premier League.
