Valery Kechinov, a former Spartak Moscow forward with a long history at the top level of Russian football, offered a candid assessment after the twelfth round of the Russian Premier League. He told RB Sports that Krasnodar displayed sharper edge and better team coordination than Spartak on the day, pointing to a performance that suggested Krasnodar could be a serious title contender as the season continues. Kechinov’s remarks echoed what many observers had begun to sense as the league schedule moved forward, highlighting Krasnodar’s growing balance between organized defense and impulsive attacking play.
He argued that Spartak’s chances of lifting the championship this season now appear remote. The earlier meeting with Zenit in St. Petersburg had given a hint of hope, but the defeat against Krasnodar extinguished that spark and underscored a growing gap between the two sides. Kechinov’s take reflected a broader sentiment in which Krasnodar’s current form suggested a multi-faceted approach, with a pressing midfield, compact backline, and sharp finishing that made life difficult for even the strongest opponents. For Spartak, the message was clear: improvements would need to come quickly if any chance of reclaiming the title existed this term.
The match was staged at the Lukoil Arena in Krasnodar, where the home side took control early. In the eighth minute, Lenini, a Cape Verdean midfielder, found space and converted his first Russian Premier League goal, giving Krasnodar a crucial lead. The tempo stayed high as Krasnodar pressed from the front, denying Spartak easy transitions and forcing turnover after turnover in the middle third. Just before the break, Victor Sa struck again, tapping in a well-executed move in the 45th minute plus one, widening the advantage and shifting the psychological balance firmly in Krasnodar’s favor. Late on, Jesus Medina turned a Krasnodar cross into his own net, erasing any lingering hope for a late rescue for Spartak and sealing a 3-0 victory for the home side. The result showcased a controlled display from Krasnodar, combining effective finishing with disciplined defense and smart game management from the bench.
With the win, Krasnodar climbed back to the top of the Russian Premier League standings, collecting 30 points. Zenit St. Petersburg remained in second place with 29, continuing the tight chase at the summit. Lokomotiv held third with 27 points, still within striking distance despite a recent setback to Khimki near Moscow. Spartak, meanwhile, stayed in sixth position with 19 points, reflecting a challenging run of results as they attempt to rebuild momentum during the campaign.
Spartak supporters left the stadium quietly disappointed, acknowledging the setback and the uphill battle to challenge for the title from this position. The mood among fans was tempered but not defeated, with conversations turning toward potential lineup changes and tactical tweaks that might spark a late-season improvement. For Krasnodar, the result sent a clear signal that the team is serious about sustaining their form and pushing toward the championship, a message that will shape expectations for the remainder of the season.