Valery Masalitin, a former CSKA Moscow midfielder, shared insights into how the army club clinched a 2:0 victory over Krylya Sovetov Samara in the 20th round of the Russian Premier League. His reflections were featured on vprognoze.ru, offering fans a closer look at the tactical chess match that unfolded on the pitch.
From the opening minutes, CSKA displayed the edge expected from a side used to controlling set pieces. The team capitalized on physical battles and aerial duels, turning corners and free kicks into real opportunities. Samara, known for an aggressive start in the first 15 to 20 minutes and a propensity to strike early, faced a disciplined opponent that neutralized that early momentum. Masalitin noted that CSKA began the game with intent, scoring early and denying Samara the chance to seize the initiative, effectively flipping the expected dynamic of the encounter.
The final result left CSKA level in performances with sustained pressure and organization. The win pushed CSKA into fourth place in the league standings with 32 points, while Krylya Sovetov sits eighth with 29. The race for the top spots remains tight as the season progresses, and the gap to leaders continues to be a focal point for clubs across Russia’s top flight.
At the top of the table, Krasnodar leads with 39 points, while Zenit Saint Petersburg sits in second place with 37. Dinamo Moscow remains in the top three with 35 points, creating a compact cluster near the podium that underscores the competitiveness of the league this season. The table is more fluid than in previous campaigns, and every result carries noticeable weight for European qualification positions and domestic bragging rights.
Looking ahead, CSKA is set to travel to face Sochi in the upcoming round, with the match scheduled for March 31. Krylya Sovetov will host Zenit Saint Petersburg on the same day, as the league continues to unfold across Russia. The schedule remains dense, offering multiple late-season opportunities for teams to solidify their positions or climb the table in decisive fashion.
In other news from CSKA, Igor Akinfeev recently updated two Russian Premier League records, highlighting the enduring impact of veteran players in the modern era. Such milestones emphasize the club’s long-standing tradition of high performance, leadership on the field, and a deep connection with its supporters as they chase silverware and continued success in domestic competition.