Former star Vladimir Ponomarev weighs in on CSKA and Zenit
Vladimir Ponomarev, once a standout at Moscow CSKA and a member of the USSR national team, reflects on the talent spread between the army club and Zenit Saint Petersburg. His perspective draws on a long career with both a storied military club and the broader Russian football landscape, offering insights into how two premier teams compare in strength, depth, and impact on the league race.
The spotlight in Saint Petersburg shone brightly on May 7 when Zenit defeated Spartak Moscow, clinching the Russian championship for the fifth consecutive time. This achievement resonated across the league, underscoring Zenit’s sustained form and the level of competition that other top clubs face as they chase supremacy in Russia.
Ponomarev commented that CSKA currently possesses very strong lineups, perhaps even more formidable in some areas than Zenit. He observed that the Petersburg team benefits from substantial support in a few key positions, which can widen the gap between top contenders. Nevertheless, he noted that if the army club were to optimize its setup, it could challenge for top honors, while asserting that CSKA would likely claim second place if the season’s dynamics remained favorable. The veteran spoke with the perspective of someone who has seen large-scale campaigns unfold and understood how squad construction can influence outcomes across a grueling campaign.
Following 26 rounds of the Russian Premier League, CSKA sits in second place in the standings, with the gap to Rostov and Spartak narrowing to a single point on some counts, and two on others. The table underscores how tight the race remains among the league’s leading clubs, even as Zenit’s recent triumphs set a high bar for the rest of the season.
Looking ahead, on May 13, CSKA will host Torpedo in Moscow. The match is scheduled for 19:00 local time, and it presents another chance for the team to demonstrate resilience and tactical clarity under pressure. Supporters in Moscow and across Russia will be watching closely as the campaign progresses, with every fixture carrying significance for league positioning and European qualification prospects.
Historically, Ponomarev has sometimes questioned the public perception of Spartak Moscow as a mass appeal club, offering a candid reminder that fan culture and club identity can be more nuanced than broad labels suggest. The discussion reflects broader debates in Russian football about how teams are valued by supporters, the media, and the wider football community, and how those perceptions intersect with on-field performance and league standings.