Alexis Duarte, the defender for Spartak Moscow and the Paraguay national team, opened up about the chilly reality of Moscow winters and why the early months in Russia were the toughest for him. His reflections were shared as part of a feature for Championship.com, painting a vivid picture of adaptation on and off the pitch.
For Duarte, the priority now is finding his footing and feeling at home. The first months proved to be a real test, largely because of the language hurdle and the overall adjustment to a new country, he explained. He emphasized that settling in smoothly is the key to his performance, not just physical readiness but emotional comfort as well.
Since joining Spartak Moscow in January 2023, Duarte has appeared in 31 competitive matches for the red-and-white side. While the statistical tally may not have been prolific, the defender has grown in visibility and reliability, contributing to the squad through a period of tactical evolution and squad rotation.
Looking ahead, Spartak was set to play Zenit St. Petersburg in the first leg of the Russian Cup semi-final, part of the RPL Path. The upcoming clash, scheduled to take place at the Lukoil Arena in Moscow, was slated to kick off at 20:30 local time, promising a high-stakes contest between two of Russia’s most storied clubs.
After the 22nd round of the Russian Premier League, Spartak sat in sixth place on the standings with 32 points, a position reflecting a campaign with both setbacks and strategic gains. Zenit, perched at the summit with 41 points, had earned a commanding lead by then, following a draw with Samara Wings that kept their advantage intact in a tightly contested title race.
Earlier in the season, a veteran voice from Spartak weighed in on the question of what would enable the team to outpace Zenit in cup competition. The discussion centered on grit, tactical discipline, and the ability to translate a strong defensive unit into decisive moments in knockout play. The perspective underscored the belief that results in cup ties often hinge on momentum, capitalizing on opportunities, and maintaining composure under pressure.
In this broader context, Duarte’s experience of adapting to a new league and climate adds another layer to Spartak’s collective narrative. His ongoing integration, language acclimation, and continued development as a defender are regarded as integral to the team’s long-term plans. Fans and analysts alike watch closely how his steadiness at the back will influence Spartak’s approach in domestic cups and league challenges, especially as winter gradually yields to spring and the calendar tightens around important fixtures.