Former Moscow striker Maxim Demenko weighed in on the semi-final draw for the Russia Cup Road, focusing on Spartak, also known as the red and white. His analysis centers on Spartak’s upcoming clash with Ural, a matchup that Demenko sees as far from simple for the 10-time Russian champions. If there is one thing Demenko is certain about, it is that this tie will test Spartak’s resolve and precise game management more than some fans may expect.
From Demenko’s perspective, Spartak has been delivering engaging football lately. He notes that the team looked almost fully prepared during cup fixtures, a point underscored by the level of effort on the field. The performances against Lokomotiv were particularly telling, revealing a squad with solid rhythm, improved conditioning, and sharper tactical execution. Yet Demenko stresses that overconfidence would be a mistake. He believes the Cup carries a 50/50 edge, where luck and margins can swing wildly, and he cautions that a difficult path does not automatically translate into an easy win for Spartak against any opponent, including Ural.
While Spartak appears to be in strong form, Demenko points to the example of Rostov, a club that faced Ural with frustration and limited success. He recalls a recent match in Yekaterinburg where Rostov’s performance left him disappointed, despite Valery Georgievich Karpin framing the game as an opportunistic sprint. Demenko argues that Ural, under Viktor Goncharenko, plays with intent and purpose, and even if Spartak can carry momentum into the tie, the Ural side will push back with aggressive pressing and organized defending. The veteran analyst contends that Ural’s approach keeps opponents honest and that the curve of the series favors a team that can blend disciplined defense with meaningful counterattacks. In Demenko’s view, if Spartak achieves a title run, they will need to weather several undefeated sequences from a determined Ural side, a challenge he believes is well within Ural’s capabilities.
In closing, Demenko notes that a win for Wings of the Soviets is still plausible in this context, reflecting an old and enduring belief in their ability to reach the Russian Cup final. He emphasizes that the Cup landscape often rewards teams with resilience and strategy as much as outright talent, and that Spartak must maintain focus, guard against complacency, and continue to build on their improving dynamic to navigate the path to the final stage. The commentary comes with a reminder that cup narratives are rarely straightforward and that every strategic decision could tilt the balance in this high-stakes half of the competition.