Former head of Moscow club Spartak, Andrey Chervichenko, suggested that refereeing decisions favored the red and white, according to DEA News. He argued that the team climbed out of danger largely thanks to supportive calls from certain officials, implying that without those decisions Spartak might have finished the season lower than their current position.
Spartak has struggled to find consistent form this season, with critics noting that several matches have hinged on contentious moments involving prominent referees. In the most recent game, the side fell short in a 2-3 showdown against Zenit. Claudinho, Andrey Mostovoy, and Ivan Sergeev found the back of the net for Spartak, while Keita Balde and Quincy Promes were clinical from the penalty spot. The Muscovites pressed forward and managed to equalize twice, only to concede a late, decisive goal in stoppage time. Earlier, a red card for Alexis Duarte, a Spartak defender, left the team with a numerical disadvantage for the closing minutes of the fixture.
After 26 rounds in the Russian Premier League, Spartak sits in fourth place, two points behind the runner-up CSKA Moscow. The two teams are scheduled to meet in a pivotal clash that could reshape the upper end of the table, underscoring the season’s high-stakes dynamic and the importance of every remaining point. The upcoming encounter is seen as a potential turning point for both sides, with Spartak aiming to close the gap and CSKA seeking to consolidate their position amid a tight race at the top.
Vladimir Granat, a former Spartak defender and Russia national team member, also shared thoughts on the club’s prospects. He emphasized that the Red-Whites remain contenders for a podium finish in the Russian Premier League, arguing that the squad has the depth and quality to push for silverware this season. Granat’s assessment reflects a broader sentiment among analysts who view Spartak as a squad capable of rebounding from difficult stretches and mounting a late-season surge. He noted that consistency in defense and midfield control would be crucial in the matches ahead, especially in high-pressure clashes against rivals near the summit of the table.