In a friendly international clash, the Argentinian national team claimed a victory over Costa Rica in a tightly contested affair. The result stood at 3:1, reflecting a second-half surge from the Argentines that sealed the win.
Manfred Ugalde, playing for Spartak Moscow, opened the scoring in the 34th minute, setting the stage for a dominant home stretch. After halftime, Argentina’s offense surged with three goals scored by Angel Di Maria, Alexis Mac Allister, and Lautaro Martinez, demonstrating the team’s offensive depth and clinical finishing. The match highlighted Argentina’s evolving chemistry ahead of more competitive fixtures, while Costa Rica pressed for opportunities on the break but could not sustain pressure in the latter stages.
Lionel Messi, the veteran forward for the Argentina squad, was absent from the training camp due to a muscle injury. His absence was felt in training sessions and team discussions, though the delegation emphasized readiness and continuity as the squad prepared for upcoming obligations. Reports noted that the injury did not involve long-term damage, and medical staff were monitoring his progress with a cautious approach to avoid a relapse.
Ugalde’s move to Spartak Moscow was finalized in January 2024, valued at €13 million with an additional €2 million in potential bonuses. Market observers estimated his overall value around €24.8 million, reflecting his rising stock in European football. He debuted for the Red-Whites during a pre-season tournament against Rostov, marking his entry into Russia’s top flight with a notable performance that drew attention from fans and analysts alike. Earlier in the season, the Costa Rican striker had found the net in a match against Shabab Al Ahli, signaling his readiness to contribute on multiple stages. Ugalde’s Russian Premier League debut came on 2 March in a fixture against Zenit, and interpretations of those early appearances suggested the attacker was still adapting to the league’s pace. Through his first two league appearances, the young forward faced stiff competition but showed flashes of his potential that supporters hope will mature as the campaign progresses.
The 22nd round of the Russian Premier League is set to kick off with a Friday meeting between Dinamo and Rostov, followed by Spartak Moscow’s clash with Ekaterinburg Ural on Saturday. The matches are scheduled to begin at 19:00 Moscow time, underscoring the tight scheduling typical of a dense Russian calendar. Analysts expect Spartak to build on its recent fixtures, with the team seeking consistency as it navigates the mid-season stretch and pursues a faster ascent up the table.
In recent discussions about player development, there has been increasing emphasis on giving younger Russian talents more opportunities within RPL squads. The trend aims to diversify the tactical options available to managers and to accelerate the integration of homegrown players into top-tier football. This approach is seen as a strategic move to strengthen domestic competition and to sustain long-term growth for clubs across the league.