Spartak Moscow defender Srdjan Babic spoke after the 5-2 victory over Lokomotiv in the Russian Premier League round of 16, saying he pushed through knee pain to help his team claim the win. He did not want the moment defined by his ailment, insisting the occasion demanded his participation because it could be a turning point in the season. Babic stressed that personal discomfort cannot derail a collective effort, especially when a big game offers a chance to shift momentum and boost belief within the squad. The remarks were captured as part of the match’s live text coverage, reflecting the urgency of the moment for Spartak and their supporters.
At the Lukoil Arena, Spartak produced a decisive first-half display that set the tone for the evening. Costa Rican forward Manfred Ugalde struck three times in quick succession, finding the net in the 10th, 21st and 34th minutes. His pace, sharp finishing, and intelligent movement repeatedly exposed Lokomotiv’s defensive shape and gave Spartak a dominant platform. Lokomotiv regrouped after the break, with Sergei Pinyaev scoring in the 55th minute and Zherzino Nyamsi adding another in the 63rd minute, briefly resurrecting hopes of a comeback. Yet Ugalde again highlighted Spartak’s menace by delivering a goal in the 73rd minute, described as Spartak’s first RPL goal in the last 30 years in this competition. Ezequiel Barco then sealed matters with a fifth goal in the 80th minute, capping a remarkable night for the visitors.
The match was followed in real time through an online text broadcast, which kept fans engaged with the rapid flow of goals and the changing dynamics on the pitch. The broadcast underscored Spartak’s clinical finishing and the discipline of their defense as Lokomotiv sought to disrupt the rhythm but found themselves unable to mount a sustained challenge after conceding the early goals. Babic’s presence at the back was a steadying influence, while Ugalde’s movement created numerous opportunities that stretched the Lokomotiv defense beyond their comfortable limits.
With the win, Spartak climbed to fourth place in the standings, collecting 31 points from 16 matches and pulling level with the chase for the top spots. The result pushed Dynamo Moscow further behind in the race, highlighting Spartak’s potential recovery after a season of mixed results. Lokomotiv, meanwhile, remained in third position with 34 points, a reminder that one heavy defeat cannot erase the work put in earlier in the campaign as the league moves toward its decisive phase and the battle for European places intensifies.
Earlier remarks from Lokomotiv officials explained why they could not cope with the Spartak forward who produced four goals in another fixture, a reminder of how certain matchups can tilt a game and leave opponents scrambling to adjust. The discussion reflected the ongoing challenges teams face when faced with a hot streak and a lineup capable of converting chances at pivotal moments, reinforcing the idea that tactical adaptability remains a key test in the relentless rhythm of the season.