In a preparatory friendly ahead of the resumption of the Russian Premier League season, Spartak Moscow delivered a convincing display against Astana. The match took place in Abu Dhabi, where the capital city club showcased its attacking intent and solid organization from the opening whistle. The final result stood at 4 goals to nil, with all scoring coming in the first half and no reply from Astana.
The first goal arrived in the 18th minute when Elkhan Astanov, a defender from Kazakhstan, inadvertently redirected a cross from Jesus Medina into his own net, giving Spartak a lead that the team would relentlessly press. As the half continued, Spartak extended its advantage in rapid succession. Quincy Promes, the Dutch forward, was the catalyst for three more strikes, finding the back of the net in the 26th, 31st and 45th minutes. His movement, finishing, and link-up play with teammates demonstrated the forward line’s potency and the versatility of Spartak’s attacking setup during the friendly fixture.
With this win, Spartak moved to 30 points after 18 league matches, placing the team fifth in the table. Krasnodar had entered the winter break at the top with 38 points, while Zenit St. Petersburg trailed by a couple of points in second place. Dinamo Moscow sat close behind in third place with 32 points, highlighting a tight cluster at the top of the standings as teams prepared to restart the season.
Looking ahead, Spartak are scheduled to meet Zenit in the 19th round of the RPL. The match is set for March 2 in St. Petersburg, with a 19:30 Moscow time kickoff. The upcoming clash promises to be a significant test for both sides, offering an early indication of momentum and form as the league returns.
On a related note, a prior legal matter concerning Quincy Promes related to the stabbing death of his brother was resolved unfavorably for Promes, with an appeal being rejected. This development, while separate from the present club fixture program, continues to be a context in which the player and the team operate throughout the season and beyond.