Astonished by the post-match remarks from Guillermo Abascal, the coach of Moscow’s Spartak, Fakel’s general manager Roman Askhabadze addressed the criticisms aimed at the Voronezh field after Fakel’s 2-0 victory. Askhabadze did not mince words when reflecting on Abascal’s comments, which had centered on the playing surface and its effects on the game. He cited the words as evidence of someone who cannot handle defeat with dignity, underscoring a broader belief that weather and venue conditions are not excuses in football. He stressed that Fakel adheres to a high standard of training and preparation, noting that the club does not practice on the Voronezh field in question and insisting that the team is focused on the details and is eagerly awaiting a new stadium to replace the current one.
The match took place at the Central Trade Union Stadium in Voronezh. The home side asserted themselves with a controlled performance and ultimately claimed victory, 2-0, in front of their supporters. The turning point came in the 70th minute when Spartak’s defender Srdjan Babic received his second yellow card, earning a red card that left his team with ten players for the remainder of the game. Voronezh forward Evgeny Markov converted the ensuing penalty to open the scoring for Fakel, setting the tone for the home side’s dominance.
Shortly after, in the 84th minute, Fakel extended their advantage as forward Maxim Maximov found the back of the net. The late goal sealed the result and solidified Fakel’s momentum in the league race. The atmosphere inside the stadium was charged, as fans witnessed their team push through adversity and capitalize on the numerical edge after the red card. This sequence not only shifted the dynamic of the match but also demonstrated Fakel’s resolve and tactical discipline in key moments.
Following the result, Fakel climbed two places in the standings, moving into 11th position with 15 points. Spartak remained in fourth place, still ahead of the pack with 20 points, reflecting the competitiveness of the table and the narrow margins that can separate teams over a season. The outcome added another chapter to a rivalry that has long been marked by dramatic encounters and strategic adjustments from both sides.
In the broader context of successive fixtures between the teams, this victory for Fakel represented a notable milestone, as Spartak had not tasted defeat against Fakel for 23 years prior to this matchup. The result drew attention to Fakel’s ability to exploit specific moments, convert opportunities, and maintain focus under pressure. It also highlighted how events away from the standard narrative—such as crowd support, venue conditions, and discretionary decisions by officials—can influence the course of a game without dictating its ultimate outcome.