The Cup match between CSKA Moscow and Orenburg in the RPL Cup path concluded with CSKA claiming a 3-1 victory. The game showcased the army team’s offense, with Anton Zabolotny and Fyodor Chalov delivering goals, including Chalov’s brace. Emircan Gürlük found Orenburg’s consolation, scoring to cap the scoreline.
With this result, CSKA topped Group A, gathering 11 points and asserting a strong position in the standings. Orenburg trailed behind on tiebreakers, while Sochi occupied the third spot. Fakel Voronezh finished last in the group and exited the tournament.
CSKA remains the current titleholder in the competition. In spring 2022, football authorities took a decisive step by suspending participation of the Russian national team and all Russian clubs in events governed by FIFA and UEFA. From that point, Russian sides and the national team have been limited to friendly matches only in international play.
In 2022, clubs outside Zenit largely did not participate in European competitions. The Russian national team, under head coach Valery Karpin, played a schedule of five friendly matches in 2023 to maintain competitive rhythm and evaluate players under foreign scouting.”
Earlier remarks from Andrey Arshavin raised questions about which Russian players might still be viable for transfers to European clubs given the current landscape. The dialogue highlighted the ongoing discussion about mobility for Russian talent amid ongoing sanctions and logistical considerations in European football.