A prominent Dutch forward, Quincy Promes, was included in Spartak Moscow’s starting lineup for the Russia Cup Road match against Lokomotiv. The kickoff was set for 20:00 Moscow time.
Spartak Moscow’s lineup featured a strong domestic core alongside Promes, with players including Maksimenko, Denisov, Chernov, Jikia, Khlusevich, Litvinov, Prutsev, Zobnin, Ignatov, Zinkovsky, and Promes taking the field. Lokomotiv Moscow responded with Lantratov, Tiknizyan, Konti, Magkeev, Smolnikov, Karpukas, Miranchuk, Barinov, Pinyaev, Glushenkov, and Dziuba.
In the first match of the tie, Spartak earned a 1-0 victory. The format keeps teams alive even if they lose in the shootout; the losing side does not face immediate elimination, but the bottom teams enter the Regions Path where they still have a chance to continue competing. The final will see the champions of the Russia Premier League Road and the Regions Road meet in Luzhniki to contend for the country Cup.
Following the early phase of the league season, Spartak sits in second place with 36 points, while Lokomotiv sits just outside the relegation danger zone, currently fourteenth.
Former Lokomotiv Moscow defender Jan Dyuritsa stated that Lokomotiv has the capability to overcome the current Spartak squad and secure a positive result. The perspective underscores the competitive balance between two clubs with a storied history in Russian football, and it highlights the ongoing narrative as teams vie for cup glory and league safety.