Andrey Chervichenko, the former president of Spartak, voiced sharp criticism of the redesigned Russian Cup format. His comments centered on what he described as a shift in the trophy ceremony and the rules around match play, framing the changes as a misstep for the competition’s tradition and drama.
Chervichenko dismissed the draft formats for presenting the cup, arguing that deciding matches without extra time undermines the event’s tension. He even joked about wanting to meet the person who devised the new system to understand the reasoning behind it, suggesting a need for accountability in the decision-making process. He further criticized the way a runner-up path can be shaped by seemingly unexpected decisions on penalties, stating his wish to learn more about the thinking behind those rules and their long-term impact on the sport.
Meanwhile, in the Russian Cup semi-finals, Paolo Vanoli’s team secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Yenisey. The goals came from Quincy Promes, Zelimkhan Bakaev, and Alexander Sobolev, pushing the club toward a final showdown. The championship match is set for May 29 at Luzhniki, with Spartak scheduled to face Dynamo Moscow in the decisive game. The stadium’s historic atmosphere promises a charged atmosphere as both clubs pursue the trophy that has eluded them for years.
Historically, Dynamo Moscow last appeared in the Russian Cup final in 2006, triumphing with a 3-0 win over CSKA Moscow and adding a memorable chapter to the club’s cup legacy. The current season’s narrative places Spartak in a challenging position in the league table as it enters the final stretch of fixtures. With three rounds remaining, Spartak sits in ninth place, and the upcoming matchups are critical for their hopes of finishing the campaign with a strong position and momentum ahead of the cup final. A potential fourth consecutive title in the league remains a distant target as Zenit St. Petersburg currently stands as the odds-on favorite in the title race, setting up an anticipated clash between the two giants as the season closes.
On a related note, former Spartak midfielder Christopher Martins Pereira spoke about his future with the club and his perspective on how the squad is evolving under its current management. Pereira’s reflections shed light on the ties that bind players to the club, the expectations surrounding transfers, and the evolving role of experienced figures in guiding the team through a period of transition.