The Moscow derby cup clash between Spartak and Zenit is set to unfold as the first leg of the Russian Cup RPL Road semi-finals. Both teams have named their starting elevens for the marquee encounter, signaling a battle to reach the final stages and keep hopes alive for silverware this season.
Spartak’s starting lineup features Selikhov in goal, with a back line that includes Khlusevich, Duarte, Babich, and Denisov. The midfield trio is anchored by Klassen and Umyarov, while Prutsev operates in a creative role alongside Bongonda. Up front, Sobolev leads the attack with Ugalde providing support from the flank. The selection signals a balanced approach, aiming to control midfield transitions and create chances through quick wide play and sharp distribution from the middle of the park.
Zenit counters with Kerzhakov in goal and a defensive quartet of Karavaev, Alip, Erakovic, and Rodrigao. The midfield backbone features Kovalenko and Barrios, with Akhmetov and Manutan providing width and pace. In attack, Pedro and Sergeev are expected to stretch play and exploit spaces behind Spartak’s line, as Zenit looks to translate possession into productive final-third moments and a strong pressing game from the front.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:30 Moscow time at the Lukoil Arena in Moscow. A live text broadcast will be provided by socialbites.ca, offering minute-by-minute updates, key moments, and tactical notes for fans following the action in real time.
CSKA remains the defending holder of the Russian Cup. In last year’s final, they edged Krasnodar after a tense penalty shoot-out, adding another trophy to their cabinet. This season has seen CSKA’s campaign at an earlier stage with a semifinal exit to an opponent, leaving the field clear for Spartak and Zenit to pursue the trophy in the current knockout phase. An additional semi-final matchup pits Ordu club against Baltika, expanding the narrative around the cup as it moves toward its eventual decider.
After the 22nd round of the Russian Premier League, Spartak sits in sixth place on 32 points, a position that keeps them within striking distance of the top teams as the race for European qualification continues. Zenit remains at the summit with 41 points, following a draw against the Wings of Samara in the same round, a result that underscores their continued consistency at the top of the table and their capacity to respond under pressure as the season nears its climax.
Earlier in the campaign, Lokomotiv’s cup run came to an end, marking a notable moment in the cup’s narrative as other strong teams push deeper into the competition. The semi-final phase now narrows the field to a focused group of clubs chasing glory, making every possession, clearance, and substitution matter more than ever as teams strategize for the forthcoming legs and the potential final showdown.