Leonid Fedun, a notable figure in Russian football history who once led Spartak Moscow as owner and president, has publicly expressed a sense of satisfaction with how the team performed in recent cup ties alongside Lokomotiv in the quarter-finals of the Russian Cup. His reflections come at a moment when the Russian Premier League landscape often feeds speculation about the players, coaches, and executives who shape the fate of big clubs. Fedun’s observations center on the on-field performance, tactical discipline, and the overall competitive spirit shown by the squad as the contest progressed toward a decisive stage, and he even hints at the possibility of future involvement in officiating matters if circumstances align with his assessments of the game’s integrity and fairness.
“As soon as I stepped away from the team’s daily routines, the standard of refereeing appeared to settle into what I would call a normal pace,” Fedun noted in remarks reported by Sport Express. “I have never worked directly with the refereeing crews myself, but I followed the match with clear interest. The players gave their best on the field, battling for every ball, every break, and every moment that could swing the result. The sheer effort from Spartak’s players was evident, and the competitive energy was there from the opening whistle to the final seconds. Dziuba’s performance drew attention, though I won’t be commenting on individual decisions or players. Do you miss Spartak? I certainly do, yet I understand the team remains interconnected with the club’s broader ambitions, and I intend to stay connected in some capacity as the season unfolds,” Fedun remarked, underscoring his continued emotional and strategic investment in the club’s fortunes, as quoted through contemporary sports coverage.
Earlier statements from Yuri Nagornykh, who chairs Lokomotiv Moscow’s board, indicated that the club would push for a formal review. He noted the intention to appeal to the Expert Refereeing Commission of the Russian Football Union (ESK RFU) to address the controversial aspects observed during the second leg of the tie against Spartak. The aim, as conveyed by Nagornykh, was not merely to contest a single decision but to seek clarity on refereeing standards and their consistency across the matchups in this knockout phase. The move reflects a broader commitment to ensuring a fair contest and guarding the integrity of the competition as teams navigate the knockout bracket and push toward the semi-final round.
The first leg concluded with Lokomotiv securing a 1:0 victory, a result that set the tone for a tightly contested series. In the return, Lokomotiv widened the gap with a 4:2 win on February 27, a result that propelled Guillermo Abascal’s squad into the semi-finals where they would continue their campaign along the Regions Road, the lower portion of the tournament grid that remains fiercely competitive. The path through the Regions Road is characterized by tough matchups, where tactical flexibility and depth of squad are tested. Lokomotiv’s advancement marks a notable chapter in the club’s cup run, underscoring the tactical acumen of Abascal and the resilient performance of the players who stepped up under pressure.
Guillermo Abascal, who guided Spartak Moscow before moving to Lokomotiv, emphasized the ongoing assessment of his players and strategic plans as the cup campaign progressed. Meanwhile, Victor Moses, a veteran winger whose absence due to injury had been felt since August of the prior year, is anticipated to be cleared for a potential return during the 19th week of the Russian Premier League. Moses’ comeback would add experience and width to the squad as it faces Fakel Voronezh, a matchup that fans and analysts are watching closely. The expectations surrounding Moses’ return are tied to careful rehabilitation and conditioning, with coaching staff aiming to reintroduce him at a moment that maximizes impact without compromising long-term health. The broader conversation around Moses reflects the league’s ongoing balancing act between star power, squad depth, and the pace of recovery from injuries that vex players and teams across the season.