The Krasnodar goalkeeper Matvey Safonov spoke after the latest round of the Russian Premier League, describing the mood in the squad following a hard-fought 1:0 win over CSKA Moscow. The postmatch conversation, carried by Match TV, touched on the intensity of the clash and the wild celebration that followed the final whistle, as well as a little damage in the dressing room.
Safonov recalled the atmosphere inside the team hotel and the dressing room after the full-time whistle. The goalkeeper noted that the squad felt a surge of emotion after securing the result, and that the intensity of the moment spilled over into the spaces where the players regrouped and prepared for the next test. He also hinted at the collective pride in how the team had approached the second half, signaling a determination that he felt was visible to everyone on the pitch and noticed by the visitors from the capital as well.
The game took place in Krasnodar at the home stadium of the same name, where the stands were packed with supporters. The weather and the atmosphere combined to produce a tense, closely contested match that ended with a narrow victory for the hosts. The decisive moment arrived when Nikita Koksharov converted a pass from Eduard Spertsyan to put Krasnodar ahead and ultimately secure the three points. The assist from Spertsyan set the stage for a late, hard-fought victory that kept the home side in the thick of the season’s table fight.
Over the course of the match, Krasnodar pressed with purpose, registering 12 total shots, three of which required the effort of CSKA’s goalkeeper. Igor Akinfeev faced pressure to keep his net intact, deflecting several attempts as the home side looked for a second to seal the result. In response, CSKA pushed forward with ambition, attempting 17 shots toward Safonov’s goal, seven of which found their target and tested the Krasnodar keeper on multiple occasions. Safonov, tasked with repelling a robust away challenge, produced a composed performance that reflected the team’s collective focus and readiness to defend a slim lead.
In a broader historical sense, the victory marked a significant moment for Krasnodar. It was noted that this win came as the club moved into a lead position over the winter break for the first time in its history, signaling a noteworthy milestone in the club’s progression and its ongoing campaign in Russian football. The result highlighted Krasnodar’s resilience and the ability to translate pressure into points, an essential trait for a team aiming to maintain momentum through the remainder of the season.