Lokomotiv Moscow has added Cesar Montes to its defensive line, and the Mexican centre back explained why he chose the Russian club in a move highlighted by Sports Express. He faced tempting options to return to Mexico, but he preferred to keep playing in European football. When Lokomotiv approached, he saw a chance to join a club with a clear, ambitious project and a plan to compete at a high level. He believes the opportunity aligns with his development goals and the team's push to build a strong, resilient side that can challenge across domestic competitions and on the European stage.
Montes described his thinking in more detail, noting that European football remains his priority and that Lokomotiv's recruitment offered more than a transfer. He felt the club's project promised growth and a path to success in national cups as well as international exposure. The move signals a belief that joining a team with a proven work ethic and a culture of aiming high will accelerate his progression as a player and contribute to Lokomotiv's ongoing ascent in Russian football.
Lokomotiv Moscow defeated Khimki near Moscow by 5 goals to 1 in the fourth round of the Russian Cup group stage. The opening half produced no goals, but the second half erupted with Lokomotiv finding the net five times. Timur Suleymanov opened the scoring in the 48th minute and converted a penalty to make it 2-0 in the 70th. Sergei Pinyaev added a brace with goals in the 62nd and 64th minutes. The team's new signing, Cesar Montes, found the net in the 53rd minute. Khimki pulled one back when Zelimkhan Bakaev struck in the 90th minute, but the result was sealed well before the final whistle.
After four rounds, Lokomotiv leads Group B with a perfect 12 points, while Khimki sits in third place with three points. The early momentum underlines Lokomotiv's intent to advance and compete for top spots in the group as the cup campaign continues.
In the fifth round of the Russian Cup group stage, Lokomotiv will host Orenburg at the RZD Arena on October 1, with a 18:30 kickoff time in Moscow. Khimki will play at home against Rostov on October 2, with kickoff scheduled for 16:15 Moscow time. The schedule reflects a packed calendar as the cup progresses toward the later knockout stages.
The current cup holder is Zenit, who won the last edition by beating Baltika Kaliningrad 2-1 in the superfinal. That victory keeps Zenit at the top of the list of teams to watch as the competition unfolds across Russia.
Earlier in the Russian Cup, CSKA Moscow defeated Krasnodar in a tightly contested match, continuing the competitive rhythm of the tournament for the country's top clubs.