Spartak Moscow hosted Krasnodar in a lively Russian Premier League clash during the 24th round, delivering a thrilling 4-3 victory for the home side. The game swung back and forth, with Spartak showing resilience to secure the win in front of their fans and keep the title fight-interest alive in the league standings.
Quincy Promes, introduced on the field after the 46th minute, made an immediate impact. The Dutch forward found the net late in regulation, converting a finish against Krasnodar goalkeeper Matvei Safonov. The strike not only carved Spartak’s decisive edge but also etched Promes into league history with a standout milestone.
That goal marked Promes’s 85th in the Russian Premier League, tying him with two notable scorers for the top spot among foreign players in the league’s all-time goals list. The milestone placed Promes level with Wagner Love, the former CSKA Moscow star, and Serdar Azmoun, the former Zenit forward, highlighting his sustained effectiveness in Russian football. Reaching 85 goals required 169 appearances for Promes, mirroring Love’s pace but standing behind Azmoun, who had achieved the same tally in 208 matches. These numbers underscore Promes’s consistency and his role as a marquee player for Spartak over multiple seasons.
With the win, Spartak moved to 48 points, closing in on Rostov, who sit just one point ahead with 49. The result also narrowed the gap to Zenit to a ten-point margin, a reminder that the race for the title remains tightly contested and that every matchday matters for the capital club. Krasnodar, meanwhile, stayed in seventh place, reflecting a campaign that has seen moments of promise but also inconsistency that need addressing as the season moves into its final phases.
Promes’s journey with Spartak spans two distinct chapters. He first joined the club in 2014, contributing to several successful campaigns before departing in 2018. He returned in February 2021, reuniting with a squad that had evolved around his skill set. Notably, in the 2016/17 season, Promes was part of the Spartak team that claimed the Russian league title, a highlight that remains a benchmark for his career in the country. His long association with Spartak is a testament to his influence on the squad and his ability to deliver critical moments in big matches when it matters most.
Beyond the on-field action, the match also featured a moment of concern as Georgy Jikia provided first aid to Krasnodar midfielder Kadi following a collision. This incident, though brief, underscored the physicality of the game and the quick response from medical staff that keeps players safe during intense fixtures. The event added another layer to a match that delivered drama, skill, and a reminder of the human side of football, where vigilance and care remain paramount even as teams chase victory.
From a broader perspective, the late-career surge of Promes with Spartak offers a lens into how foreign players impact the Premier League’s competitive balance. His ability to influence games, convert key chances, and accumulate historic tallies contributes to the ongoing discussion about the role of experienced internationals in shaping Russian football narratives for audiences in Canada, the United States, and beyond. The season’s arc for Spartak, reinforced by performances like this, points to a club that remains in the mix for European qualification spots, while Krasnodar’s ongoing campaign reflects the depth and ambition of the league as a whole.