Alexander Tarkhanov, former head coach of CSKA, shared his perspective in an interview with Legal Betting, predicting an easy win for Spartak in the 3rd round of the Russian Championship against Krylia Sovetov. He reasoned that Spartak should capitalize on home-field advantage and control the pace of the game from the opening whistle.
According to Tarkhanov, the Spartak side appears superior in every aspect. He noted that Krylia Sovetov looked unsettled and inconsistent in their most recent appearance in Makhachkala, and he anticipates that this fleeting form will not stabilize in Moscow. The prediction is blunt: Spartak will come out on top in front of their home crowd. This assessment aligns with the sense that the red-whites have greater cohesion, sharper pressing, and a clearer match plan that has been developing over recent weeks.
Observers are watching how the tactical matchups unfold as the teams prepare to face off at the Lukoil Arena on August 5, with the kickoff scheduled for 20:00 Moscow time. The venue, known for its atmosphere, stands to amplify Spartak’s home advantages, including familiar surroundings, supportive fans, and a strong sense of tempo control. The stage is set for a performance that could reinforce Spartak’s position near the top of the table as the campaign progresses.
Earlier in the season, Spartak’s league campaign started with a stumble, dropping points in a 0-2 defeat to Orenburg. The team quickly responded, buying time and energy with a solid 3-1 victory over Khimki in the next round. The attacking trio of Ezequiel Barco, Manfred Ugalde, and Srdjan Babic contributed to the win, each adding important elements to the offensive mix and helping to restore momentum after the initial setback.
In addition to league play, Spartak demonstrated their depth by advancing through the Russian Cup with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Dynamo. The comprehensive performance in that cup tie showcased resilience and the ability to translate domestic form into decisive results across competitions. The squad’s confidence has grown as they re-enter the championship race with a sharpened focus on consistency and results that keep them in the upper echelon of the standings.
As the season unfolds, Spartak’s path is shaping into a narrative of revival and sustained ambition. The team has been assembling a cohesive unit under a clear strategic framework, emphasizing disciplined defense, dynamic transitions, and selective buildup from the back. Tarkhanov’s assessment underscores a broader trend: when teams are well organized and execute their game plan with precision, they can translate perceived shortcuts into consistent performance. The match against Krylia Sovetov represents more than a single three-point opportunity; it is a test of how quickly Spartak can translate recent improvements into sustained success for the long haul. [Source: Legal Betting interview with Alexander Tarkhanov]