Fakel midfielder Irakli Kvekveskiri disclosed that the team’s head coach Vadim Evseev might adjust his living arrangements around the time of the CSKA showdown. The remark came as part of a broader conversation about the rhythm and decisions that shape a game’s atmosphere in Saint Petersburg and beyond. Kvekveskiri noted that Evseev’s behavior had a certain ritualistic quality, and that the coach’s seating choice was watched closely as a signal of how the match might unfold. The player reflected on the moment shortly after the team parted ways for the evening, sensing a quiet yet pointed mood on the field. It was clear to everyone present that Evseev’s demeanor—calm, collected, and unhurried—was part of a larger approach to the game. We waited for him to appear on the field, and his absence at times was as telling as his presence when it finally arrived.
During the match, questions circulated about whether Evseev’s actions resembled a known coaching ritual from other managers. Some observers wondered if a change in routine could influence the outcome, while others believed that a strategic adjustment was more likely to come from a fresh tactical plan on the fly. Kvekveskiri himself described a moment when he noticed Evseev remaining seated, choosing contemplation over immediate intervention. The players understood that leadership decisions can be subtle yet impactful, and they prepared to adapt as needed as the game progressed. In the end, Evseev’s seat remained a focal point but did not become the sole factor defining the night’s events.
On August 9, Fakel defeated CSKA 2-0 in the second round of the Russian Cup, with striker Maxim Maksimov delivering a standout performance by scoring twice. Throughout the match, Evseev stayed in the technical area, where his chair position became part of the visual story of Fakel’s resilience and tactical discipline. The victory reinforced Fakel’s competitive spirit in the cup competition and underscored the importance of every moment in the technical zone as teams execute their game plans.
After two rounds, four teams in Group 1 each held three points, creating a tight race as the group advanced. In the upcoming round, Fakel was set to face Orenburg, while CSKA prepared for a clash with Sochi. The standings and fixtures highlighted how crucial each match can be for a team hoping to advance, with every goal, save, and strategic decision contributing to the dream of a deeper cup run and a stronger domestic campaign.
CSKA had secured the Russia Cup title in the previous season, overcoming Krasnodar in a penalty shootout in the final. In the Super Cup, however, the Muscovites faced a different outcome, losing to Zenit and learning valuable lessons about consistency across competitions. These contrasts illustrate the dynamics of Russian football, where cup glory and league form can diverge yet still shape a club’s trajectory for the year ahead.
Reports later circulated that Evseev had cited health concerns during his appearances in the CSKA matches, a reminder that coaching decisions are often influenced by a wider context beyond the game itself. As Fakel continues its campaign, attention will remain on how leadership, preparation, and player responses converge to create results on the field.