Today CSKA met the 2DROTS media team in a friendly at the VEB Arena in Moscow, where the visitors from 2DROTS edged out a 2:1 victory. The match showcased a mix of tactical intent and developing chemistry, with both sides testing formations and trying to sharpen their sharp edges ahead of more competitive fixtures to come this season. The result reflected the balance of play over the 90 minutes, even as the action delivered moments of clear quality at both ends of the pitch.
CSKA began the game with a nervy moment in the 10th minute when the hosts failed to convert a set-piece into an early advantage. The corner delivered by Alex Stil found its way into the danger area, and Vladislav Oslonovsky reacted quickest at the near post, guiding a header across the face of goal toward Sychev, whose deflection redirected the ball into the back of the net. It was a reminder that in friendly matches the margins are thin, and set-piece discipline can decide proceedings in a heartbeat, even when teams are still feeling out their rhythm and lineup.
2DROTS dominated the first half in terms of control and tempo, pressing high and moving the ball with intention through meticulous buildup play. Igor Diveev, CSKA’s defender, later noted that a candid team talk in the middle of the first half lightened the mood and sharpened focus, a reminder that in friendly tune-ups, candor during timeout intervals often translates into improved organization on the field. The dialogue seemed to pay dividends in the latter stages of the half as CSKA steadied their shape and began to read 2DROTS’ patterns more effectively, though the away side remained the more assertive provocateur in build-up play.
The second half followed a familiar script, with 2DROTS maintaining pressure and widening their advantage in the 64th minute. Stanislav Manaev found himself one-on-one with CSKA goalkeeper Vladislav Toprop after a swift transition, and he converted with composure to make the score 2:0. The goal underscored 2DROTS’ ability to exploit gaps behind the press and to punish moments of hesitation with well-timed finishes. The game then settled into a rhythm where both teams probed for opportunities, with CSKA seeking to close the gap and restore momentum rather than merely chase the result.
In the 76th minute, CSKA finally reclaimed possession in midfield and launched a concerted push that culminated in a well-worked counterattack. Fedor Chalov delivered a composed response to a precise pass from Sasha Zdelar, guiding the ball past the keeper to pull one goal back and reintroduce late drama to the proceedings. Shortly after this breakthrough, CSKA brought on a veteran presence in Daniel Carvalho, a name synonymous with club success, as the team looked to inject a blend of experience and leadership as the final whistle approached. Carvalho’s appearance was a nod to the club’s history of success, with his past laurels including league titles, a country Cup, and European competition experience, signaling a desire to blend youthful energy with seasoned know-how during this friendly encounter.
For context, 2DROTS’ campaign in the current season has already included a run in the Russian Cup, where they exited in the 1/128th stage after facing Tekstilshchik Ivanovo. The result reflected the level of competition they have encountered on the cup path so far and offered additional motivation to refine their approach ahead of forthcoming fixtures. Former coach and commentator Oleg Yarovinsky has discussed in recent days the intriguing case of a legionnaire who joined CSKA, noted for arriving with an unusual fitness profile that sparked speculation and discussion among fans and pundits alike. The exchange highlighted how preseason narratives can heighten interest and add a layer of curiosity around roster development and player compatibility as teams prepare for the competitive slate ahead.