The president of the Russian Premier League, Alexander Alaev, affirmed that the competition will keep its current format for the upcoming season. He described the championship as vibrant and competitive, emphasizing that the results from the first half of the year already highlight several compelling elements. According to Alaev, the lack of a need for format changes signals stability and confidence in the league’s trajectory, even as teams push to maximize their positions as the campaign progresses.
At the midway point of the season, Krasnodar stood out as the pace-setter, having accumulated 38 points as the winter break commenced. In the 18th round, Vladimir Ivich’s squad secured a 1-0 victory over CSKA Moscow, reinforcing their top spot and signaling their intent to maintain leadership after the resumption of the schedule. Close behind are St. Petersburg’s Zenit, trailing by two points, and Dynamo Moscow, which sits in third place with 32 points. Sochi, facing a tougher climb, occupies the relegation battleground with a total of 11 points. Kaliningrad Baltika, positioned just above the danger zone, sits two points ahead of Sochi, illustrating how tightly contested the table has been as clubs chase stability or a late-season surge.
The league calendar will resume with Russian Cup fixtures in February, providing clubs with a chance to test depth and react to injuries, suspensions, and fatigue before the league program continues. The 19th round of the Premier League is scheduled to begin on March 3, signaling the return of high-stakes matches and the ongoing race for European qualification spots, domestic prestige, and pride for each club involved. Coaches and players will have to balance league pressure with cup commitments, aiming to maximize opportunities during the back half of the season.
Overall, the absence of a clear single frontrunner at this stage is viewed as a positive sign for the competition. It suggests a dynamic environment where several teams have plausible paths to claiming top positions, and it keeps fans invested as the title race unfolds. The season’s momentum depends on consistent performances, strategic squad management, and the ability of clubs to convert chances into points as they navigate the demanding schedule ahead. Fans can expect a continuation of intense contests, tactical variety, and the drama that comes with a league that remains unpredictable at this stage of the campaign.