The founder of the media football club 2DROTS, Evgeny Babenko, spoke about the team’s victory over Chertanovo in the 1/256 final of the Russian Cup. His remarks highlighted the unexpected ease of the win and the effort the squad had put into reaching this stage of the competition. The win was celebrated as a testament to the trust shown by the organizers in bringing the team to the Cup, and Babenko expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the chance to compete at a higher level.
Babenko acknowledged the hard work of the players, noting that they had not anticipated the match would unfold with such simplicity. He praised the young squad for their composure and technical execution against a club with strong credentials. The victory was described as a moment of pride for the players, who demonstrated skill, resilience, and teamwork beyond their years. The coach and the team’s supporters recognized the difficulty of the challenge, underscoring the strength and experience of the opponent while still appreciating the result that had been achieved on the day.
Commentary from the team indicated that the victory carried significant value, effectively marking a double reward for the players. The triumph was seen as a validation of the team’s preparation and strategic approach, reinforcing confidence that the players could continue to compete at this level in the Cup and beyond. The sense of achievement was shared across the club, reinforcing the belief that their presence in the tournament was not accidental but earned through consistent effort and commitment.
2DROTS has joined a select group as the second media-focused squad to eliminate a professional club from the Russian Cup, highlighting the growing influence of non-traditional teams in Russian football’s national competition. In the days leading up to the game, another media-driven team, Amkal, had earlier challenged Krasnogorsk Zorkiy with a draw in regulation time and prevailed in a post-match penalty shootout, showing a rising trend where blog-based clubs compete at high levels and test established professional teams. This development has sparked discussions about the evolving landscape of the cup and the opportunities available for media clubs to showcase their talent on a national stage.
There have been broader conversations about the nature of matches within the Russian Cup, including observations from players about the contractual arrangements sometimes involved in matches featuring blogger and media teams. These conversations have focused on the balance between entertainment, opportunity, and sporting integrity as more unconventional participants enter the tournament, bringing fresh perspectives and new audiences to the competition. The ongoing discussions reflect the complexity and evolving nature of football engagement in the modern era and highlight how media-driven teams can contribute to the sport’s growth while still maintaining a competitive edge on the field.