CSKA Moscow’s head doctor Eduard Bezuglov stated that the Russian Cup final of the Premier League would take place in Saint Petersburg. He addressed the status of 20-year-old goalkeeper Vladislav Torop, who sustained serious injuries during the rematch against Saint Petersburg Zenit. Bezuglov’s remarks provided an outline of the situation as reported by Match TV, signaling the medical team’s cautious optimism about Torop’s condition and the next steps in his care. He emphasized the uncertainty that still surrounds the immediate hours after the incident, while also underscoring the plan to monitor any changes in the player’s status as dawn approached. The team plans to act based on careful assessments, with the likelihood of consulting top specialists and making decisions that will shape the course of treatment in the days ahead. Bezuhov stressed that stability would guide the decision to move the patient to another facility or to proceed with further procedures.
According to Bezuglov, if Torop’s condition remains stable in the morning, he would be transported to Moscow for continued care. The possibility of flying him to Moscow by air transport was ruled out in advance, as it was deemed impractical. The medical team promised that every avenue would be explored to ensure Torop receives the best possible expertise. The plan included the involvement of renowned specialists and the potential for surgical intervention, which Bezuglov described as highly probable given the injuries sustained. The overarching message was one of careful preparation, constant monitoring, and a commitment to a comprehensive treatment strategy designed to optimize recovery prospects for the goalkeeper.
The incident occurred during the return match of the Russian Cup RPL Road final when Torop collided with opponent Nuraly Alip in his own penalty area in the 36th minute. The collision led to a severe moment on the field, forcing Torop to leave the pitch with the aid of an electric vehicle before being escorted to a hospital for urgent evaluation. The severity of the collision and the rapid response of medical staff highlighted the seriousness of the event and the immediate concern for the player’s health. The team did not hesitate to implement a cautious approach to ensure no further risk to the athlete while the medical team conducted a thorough assessment of the damage and potential complications that could affect long-term mobility and safety for the goalkeeper.
In Torop’s place, 19-year-old Vladimir Shaikhutdinov took over duties between the posts. The match, which began with a tense equilibrium, concluded the regular 90 minutes at 0-0. The tension carried into a decisive penalty shootout, where Zenit edged CSKA with a 5-4 score. Anton Zabolotny failed to convert the sole penalty awarded to the army club, sealing a narrow defeat. The outcome meant CSKA finished the season without the trophy and was unable to defend the Russian Cup title it had earned in the previous year. Zenit progressed to face Kaliningrad Baltika in the final stages of the competition, a team that had earlier eliminated Spartak Moscow in the Road of Regions path. The result marked a somber end to a campaign that tested the squad’s resilience and depth in a year when every match carried high stakes and intense scrutiny from fans and pundits alike.
Earlier medical evaluations had clarified Torop’s definitive diagnosis, a development that shaped the club’s preparation and response in the hours after the incident. The medical team undertook a rigorous review of imaging results, clinical findings, and the potential implications for future participation in high-stakes matches. While the exact nature of the injury was not disclosed in full detail, the emphasis remained on immediate stabilization and a measured approach to rehabilitation. The broader narrative around Torop’s condition underscored the vulnerability and fragility that can accompany elite sports, even at the professional level, and it highlighted the importance of a coordinated medical framework that supports quick decision-making in the face of uncertainty. The club and its medical staff continued to communicate with transparency, ensuring that supporters were kept informed while respecting patient privacy and medical integrity.