In analyzing the Moscow club’s 4-1 victory over Krasnodar in the ninth round of the Russian Premier League, former CSKA defender Vladimir Ponomarev emphasized that Vladimir Fedotov’s squad entered the season with a real chance to clinch the title. His assessment, reported by Sport-Express, frames CSKA as a formidable force capable of challenging for top honors this term.
Ponomarev noted that CSKA has become Zenit’s primary rival. He expressed confidence in CSKA’s ability to play against the reigning champions and asserted that the army club has the momentum and consistency needed to contend for first place. The former defender remarked that Zenit lacks a counterpart who can match CSKA’s current level of performance, underscoring a shift in the competitive balance within the league.
The match itself saw CSKA triumph with four goals, including three penalties converted by Jorge Carrascal, Fedor Chalov, and Jesus Medina. Adolfo Gaich added a stoppage time strike, while Christian Ramirez was the lone scorer for Krasnodar. The decisive victory reinforced CSKA’s position as a strong title contender and showcased the team’s offensive efficiency from the spot and in open play.
After nine rounds, CSKA sits tied for second in the league standings with 20 points. Zenit holds the same tally but leads on goal difference, with a game in hand that could further separate the two teams. Krasnodar remains in third place with 17 points, reflecting a competitive battle at the top of the table as the season progresses.
Earlier coverage highlighted a personal note around Gaich, mentioning that the player’s mother met with the CSKA coaching staff, a detail that drew additional attention to the broader narrative surrounding the squad’s development and morale this season. This context contributes to a broader understanding of team dynamics and the human elements that often accompany a championship push [Sport-Express].