Alexander Mostovoy, a former member of the Russia national team, reflects on Moscow Spartak’s 2-0 victory over Dynamo in the Russian Cup semi finals. He also points to Guillermo Abascal, the former Spartak coach, as a key influence, a note that sports analysts pick up on as the club moves through the Road to Regions phase with renewed focus. Abascal’s name becomes a reference point for what fans hoped to see: a team that plays with clear direction and confidence.
Mostovoy emphasizes a need to welcome back Abascal, explaining that Dynamo faced a setback and Spartak benefited from its cup format. He observes that once Spartak removed a figure who had been seen as an obstacle, the team settled, showing steadier performances and better on-field harmony. In his view, squad selection matters as much as tactics, and the club should aim to start matches with a lineup that supports a cohesive, high-pressing game plan.
With the dismissal of Guillermo Abascal, Spartak handed the coaching reins to Vladimir Sliskovich, who now leads the Red-Whites toward the Russian Cup Regional Road final. They will face the winner of the Baltika Kaliningrad versus Rostov match, set for early May. The game is scheduled to kick off at 19:15 Moscow time on May 2, a moment Spartak hopes to capitalize on as it pursues a strong run in the cup. At the same time CSKA Moscow holds the cup title and continues its campaign, while Zenit St. Petersburg advances along the RPL Path to meet St. Petersburg in a two-legged tie—an important fixture also slated for May 2 at the same kickoff time. This sequence underlines how the cup path interlocks with league action, keeping multiple top clubs in rhythm through the spring season.
Earlier in the season, Spartak considered changes at the coaching position, with discussions around the leadership role potentially shifting within the staff. The club’s strategic approach centers on maintaining competitive momentum, balancing results in the cup with performance in the domestic league, and building a stable framework that can sustain long runs in both competitions. The focus remains on assembling a capable squad, optimizing player roles, and ensuring tactical clarity across the pitch so the team can press effectively, control transitions, and convert chances when they arise. Fans and analysts continue to track how leadership shifts influence team morale and on-field decisions as the Road to Regions progresses toward its decisive stages.