Valery Karpin, Rostov’s head coach, has signaled a clear intention regarding Daniil Odoevsky, the goalkeeper who joined the squad on loan from Zenit St. Petersburg. The plan is for Odoevsky to rise as the club’s number one between the posts, a move that reflects Rostov’s focus on building a stable defensive foundation around a young, developing shot-stopper. The coach emphasized that the choice aims to give the team a reliable presence and to set a steady standard for the back line as the season progresses.
Karpin stressed that at this stage the priority is for Odoevsky to seize the starting duties, with the rest of the goalkeepers getting fewer opportunities as the squad consolidates the goalkeeper position and the defensive organization behind him. The approach is meant to foster confidence in the young keeper while ensuring Rostov gains consistency in goal during important domestic clashes and cup ties alike.
In the fourth round of the Russian Cup group stage, Rostov defeated Orenburg with a 3-1 scoreline. The result added to Rostov’s growing momentum in the competition, showcasing a balanced display from defense to attack and highlighting the team’s ability to convert chances when it mattered. The win reinforced Rostov’s intent to push deeper into the Cup and use the tournament as a platform to develop younger players, including Odoevsky, within a high-stakes environment.
After four rounds, Rostov stood in second place in Group B with nine points. Lokomotiv led the group with the same tally, but had yet to play their next match, meaning the standings remained tightly packed and the outcome of the remaining fixtures could hinge on small margins. The dynamic in Group B underscored how every fixture carries weight as Rostov aimed to cement a favorable position and advance to the later stages of the competition.
Rostov was scheduled to travel to Khimki for the fifth round, a visit that promised a stern test in a away-length encounter. The match was set for October 2 at Arena Khimki, with kick-off at 16:15 Moscow time. This fixture presented an opportunity for Rostov to showcase their tactical discipline on unfamiliar turf and to further integrate Odoevsky into a demanding schedule that includes both league and cup commitments.
The current champion of the tournament stood as Zenit, who claimed the title in the previous season by defeating Baltika Kaliningrad 2-1 in the superfinal. The victory highlighted Zenit’s continued strength and ability to perform under pressure in knockout-style stages, a benchmark for Rostov and other contenders as they navigate the Cup this season.
Additionally, CSKA Moscow had recently defeated Krasnodar in a Russian Cup tie, advancing to the next phase and illustrating the ongoing competitiveness across Russia’s top clubs in the competition. These results collectively framed the Cup campaign as a proving ground where Rostov could test depth, assess emerging talents, and sharpen its approach as the season unfolds.