The Russian Cup now has its two main routes clarified for the current season. In the RPL Path, the set of semifinalists is complete, featuring some of Russia’s strongest clubs as they push toward the crown. The other track, known as the Regions Path, has its second stage of quarterfinals fully mapped, with eight teams advancing into the next round. The final stage promises high-stakes clashes, intense competition, and a chance for clubs outside the traditional powerhouses to write a memorable chapter in the cup’s history.
The Road to the RPL Path semifinals will see Rostov, Zenit St. Petersburg, CSKA Moscow and Dynamo Moscow contest the last four, while the remaining participant in this list was decided late in the scheduling window after a tense penalty shootout, sealing a dramatic finish. Marcel Lička’s side faced Lokomotiv Moscow in the quarterfinals, and the outcome was settled by a shootout, underscoring how every moment matters in knockout football. The progression to this stage reflects both consistency and the ability to rise to the occasion under pressure, as top teams balance league duties with Cup ambitions. These results set the stage for a compelling set of semi-final matchups that will test tactical depth, depth of squad, and the nerve of managers across Russia.
Eight teams will compete in the second stage of the Regions Path quarter-finals: Krasnodar, Akron, Dinamo Makhachkala, Ural, Spartak Moscow, Lokomotiv Moscow, Akhmat Grozny and Rubin Kazan. Each club has shown varying degrees of journey, from recent domestic success to emerging pedigree in knockout competition. The mix of established names and up-and-coming outfits adds layers of intrigue: some sides rely on experienced generals in midfield and defense, while others lean on fresh attacking verve to destabilize their opponents. The regional route continues to function as a showcase for talent across the country, offering a tangible pathway to national glory for squads that might not always grab the headlines in the league race.
Semi-final and quarter-final matches will be determined by a draw. The process, scheduled for late November, will take place at 12:30 Moscow time, and the outcome will directly shape which teams take the field next. The draw is watched closely by fans, media, and club staff alike, as it not only sets up the upcoming ties but also influences preparations, travel plans, and the strategic approach coaches will adopt for the pressure-filled knockout rounds. As the clock ticks toward the draw, clubs are weighing potential opponents, travel logistics, and the opportunity to seize momentum at a pivotal moment in the season.
The current holder of the Russian Cup is Zenit St. Petersburg, who lifted the trophy by defeating Baltika Kaliningrad in the competition’s Super Final. This triumph helped Zenit complete a historic treble, securing the Russian Premier League title, the national cup, and the domestic super cup in a single, landmark season. The achievement cements Zenit’s status as a dominant force in Russian football and a benchmark for clubs aiming to compete across all major fronts. The victory adds to a storied legacy for the club and provides renewed motivation for rivals who will be eager to challenge the reigning champions in the next edition of the cup.
A goal by Fedor Chalov opened the scoring as his team secured a Europa League result, highlighting the continued impact of players with Russian roots making noise on the European stage. Chalov’s contribution underscored the broader connection between domestic competition and continental football, illustrating how performances in the Russian Cup and league campaigns can translate into opportunities outside national borders. The moment served as a reminder that the Cup remains a platform for individual moments and collective success alike, resonating with fans who follow both domestic routes and international campaigns.