The Russian Premier League is currently on its winter break, giving clubs time to regroup during the pause in the schedule. As things stand at the close of 18 rounds, Krasnodar holds the pole position, amassing 38 points and signaling a strong push toward the championship lead as the season resumes. In second place sits Zenit Saint Petersburg, edging ahead on 36 points after a competitive run through the autumn fixtures, while Dinamo Moscow claims the third spot with 32 points, just a few wins away from redefining the top tier of the table. Lokomotiv Moscow trails closely with 31 points, and Spartak Moscow sits at 30, both showing resilience and consistent performances that have kept them in the fight for a high finish.
Midtable contenders have also emerged with solid campaigns. Krylya Sovetov Samara closed the calendar year in sixth place with 29 points, demonstrating a balanced attack and sturdy defense. Rubin Kazan sits seventh on 28 points, and CSKA Moscow remains in eighth, the same tally as Rubin naming a tightly packed group crowning the middle of the table as the league approaches the second phase of the season.
The lower half of the standings features a mix of clubs pursuing stability and the potential for a late surge. Pari Nizhny Novgorod has 24 points, Rostov and Fakel share 21, Ural sits with 19, Akhmat Grozny has 17, Orenburg trails on 15, Baltika Kaliningrad records 13, and Sochi holds 11 as the break begins. Each team knows the restart will bring added intensity, as every point could influence final positioning and the distribution of rewards come season end.
In the centerpiece clash of the 18th round, Krasnodar met CSKA Moscow on neutral terms within Krasnodar’s home stadium, a venue packed to capacity with fervent supporters. The match delivered a tense 1-0 victory for the home side, a result that highlighted Krasnodar’s tactical discipline and ability to convert opportunities under pressure. The decisive moment came when Nikita Koksharov fired home from a precise pass threaded by Eduard Spertsyan, illustrating the effectiveness of Krasnodar’s counterattacking approach.
Earlier in the round, Rubin Kazan secured a notable win against Baltika Kaliningrad, adding another layer to the drama of the mid-season period. These results collectively reinforce the idea that the league remains highly competitive, with several clubs capable of overturning the table as the schedule resumes.