Moscow CSKA faced Torpedo in a winter training camp friendly in Abu Dhabi, with CSKA emerging victorious 3-2 after a tense 90 minutes. The match showcased discipline, depth, and moments of individual brilliance from both sides as they prepared for the rest of the season.
The scoring swung early. Igor Lebedenko, a 40-year-old veteran from Torpedo, found the net in the 10th minute to give the visitors an early lead. Just six minutes later, new recruit Tamerlan Musaev equalized, marking his debut goal for the army team and signaling his immediate impact. As the first half neared its end, Dmitry Poloz struck a precise shot shortly before the whistle, restoring Torpedo’s advantage at 2-1 as the teams headed to the break.
After the restart, CSKA took control. Willian Rocha leveled the score in the 48th minute, and Ivan Oblyakov put the hosts ahead with a strike in the 53rd minute. The momentum shifted once more in favor of CSKA as the second half unfolded, but Torpedo pushed hard for a comeback. Timur Melekestsev had a clean one-on-one opportunity late in the match but could not convert, leaving the final tally at 3-2 in favor of CSKA.
As the winter break looms, CSKA sits eighth in the Russian Premier League standings, having accumulated 28 points from 18 games. The team approaches the pause with solid form and a clear plan for the remainder of the campaign under Vladimir Fedotov’s guidance.
Torpedo heads into the resumption of the season with a new head coach at the helm for the third time in the current cycle. The club began the autumn under Spaniard Josep Clotet, switched to Artem Gorlov, and on January 17 announced Oleg Kononov as the new manager. Concurrently, the club announced a leadership change, with Alexander Volnushkin stepping in as president, replacing Yaroslav Savin, signaling a fresh strategic direction for the program.
Currently, Torpedo sits eighth in the First League standings, holding 27 points after 20 matches. The shift in management appears aimed at stabilizing performances and driving the club toward stronger showings as the season resumes.
A recent departure from CSKA has sparked discussion among fans and analysts, though the reasons behind the move have not been publicly expanded upon. The event underscores the evolving rosters and coaching plans shaping both clubs as they navigate the winter break and prepare for a competitive return to league action.