Following the eleventh round of the Russian Premier League against Dynamo Moscow, CSKA Moscow head coach Marko Nikolic addressed questions about the national team’s training camp in Novogorsk. He stated that he did not feel embarrassment about the lack of available opponents at the camp and that the situation should not tarnish the readiness of CSKA players who may be called up. He acknowledged there are difficulties surrounding the national program, but stressed that there is nothing wrong with players stepping forward to serve the national team. The national team is essential for the health of Russian football and must exist even when arrangements inside the broader calendar are imperfect. Nikolic’s comments reflected a pragmatic view shared by many coaches who balance club demands with the national duty, recognizing that a healthy national team adds value to the sport as a whole while not diminishing the importance of the club competition. In his view, players gain valuable experience and exposure by participating in national duties, but the club environment remains the primary stage where they hone skills, tactical understanding, and physical form.
The derby took place at the VTB Arena, a venue that has become the usual stage for high-stakes clashes in Moscow this season. The Lev Yashin end of the stadium bore witness to a 2-1 result that gave CSKA a late boost. Abbosbek Faizullaev delivered the opening blow in the 17th minute, capitalizing on a well-worked move from the left flank and finishing with a composed strike. Dynamo Moscow responded with intent and found a breakthrough in the 55th minute when Jorge Carrascal hit the ball cleanly to beat the goalkeeper, a moment that underscored the physical and tactical intelligence Carrascal brings to the team. The match swung again in the 89th minute when Tamerlan Musaev struck the decisive goal after a sustained period of pressure, sealing the victory for CSKA and adding another chapter to the city’s enduring football rivalry.
The match was officiated by a team of referees led by Vladislav Bezborodov, who oversaw the action on the pitch and ensured the final moments were played out with intensity. The officials managed a game that combined rapid transitions with late scrambles, as both sides pushed for an advantage in a crucial league fixture. The late drama did not overshadow the quality on display, with sharp pressing, quick countering, and patient buildup contributing to a contest that kept supporters engaged until the final whistle.
CSKA sits fourth in the standings with 20 points after 11 rounds, while Dynamo Moscow occupies fifth place with the same total. The result stretches the gap between the two clubs in the league table and adds momentum for CSKA as the season advances. Earlier reports indicated Fakel planned to file a complaint about an opposing player’s aggressive approach, a development that added tension to the league narrative as teams navigate the calendar and seek to maintain sportsmanship amid competitive heat.
Looking ahead, club managers and players will continue to weigh the implications of international duties intersecting with domestic fixtures, especially as international windows overlap with league play. The match underscored the balancing act facing Russian football as teams juggle club commitments with national team responsibilities, and supporters recognized that the league remains intensely competitive. The result offered momentum for CSKA and served as a reminder that decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the tone of the campaign as it moves deeper into the season.