Russian coach Alexander Tarkhanov has voiced an expectation that Khimki should progress to the next round of the Russian Cup Road of Regions. His remarks were captured by a Russian sports outlet and circulated widely among fans and analysts alike.
In the quarterfinals, Khimki is set to meet the Moscow region squad 2DROTS. The game is scheduled for September 28, with kick-off at 16:30 Moscow time. The matchup pits a First League club against a team that has carved out a notable presence in media circles, adding an intriguing narrative to the cup ties this season.
According to Tarkhanov, Khimki should avoid defeat given their higher-tier status. He expressed belief in the squad, saying that a loss would cast an unwelcome shadow over the First League. While not labeling it as a catastrophe, he warned that a defeat could invite media scrutiny and raise questions about the competitive level within the league.
2DROTS marked a milestone by becoming the first media club to reach the fourth round of the National Cup and will now face a First Division team. Media clubs have entered the Russian Cup for a second consecutive season under a program supported by the Russian Football Union. Last season, 2DROTS was eliminated in the second round after a penalty shootout with Textilshchik from Ivanovo, while Amkal advanced further before losing to Zvezda from St. Petersburg on penalties.
Valery Masalitin, a former player, has weighed in on the broader question of how Russian football can nurture media clubs without compromising the integrity and competitiveness of the sport. He argues that media-driven teams bring fresh attention and engagement to the game, but stresses the need for clear boundaries between media endeavors and professional competition. The discussion underscores a broader debate about how the sport can balance entertainment value with on-pitch quality, especially as clubs explore new avenues to grow audiences and sponsorships. The implications of this trend reverberate through coaches, players, and fans who seek a robust and well-ordered football ecosystem.