Former Moscow Spartak footballer Andrey Tikhonov shared his take on how the red and whites have fared in the spring phase of the Russian Premier League (RPL).
Since the league resumed, Spartak has secured three wins, drawn four times, and suffered a single defeat across eight matches. The inconsistency has been noticeable, with fluctuations in form affecting the team’s results and momentum.
Tikhonov noted that expectations were high after a strong finish before the break. Pre-season events and the opening games against Lokomotiv created optimism, fueling belief that the team could build on that early momentum. Yet the season quickly reminded observers that football is a rollercoaster, with pivotal moments that shaped the current standings.
There were matches where Spartak failed to clinch victories, and refereeing decisions drew scrutiny. The cup encounter in St. Petersburg remains a reference point for fans and analysts alike, as several attacking players were sidelined by red cards and suspensions. Then came injuries to Mozes, Promes, and Jikia, further disrupting the squad balance.
Tikhonov stressed that there was no stable lineup, and the results often mirrored the personnel available on matchdays. A consistent selection could have changed the trajectory of several games, affecting confidence and productive rhythm in the process. The overall impression is that squad depth and cohesion are as crucial as raw talent when the schedule becomes congested and demands high-tempo performances.
With 49 points registered after the 25th round, Spartak sits in third place in the table. Zenit Saint Petersburg leads the way with a comfortable margin, while Rostov holds the runner-up spot with 50 points. The chase for European places remains intense, and fans are watching closely how the team adapts to injuries, suspensions, and tactical tweaks as the season progresses.
Commentator analysis has also continued to weigh in on Rostov and the broader league context. In recent exchanges, Gennady Orlov offered a pointed critique of Rostov, a stance that drew comments from colleagues including Konstantin Genich. The dialogue around these clubs reflects the high level of scrutiny and debate that surrounded the spring slate of games, highlighting the expectations placed on midtable powerhouses and title contenders alike. All parties agree that every fixture matters more than ever when the race for spots in European competition tightens and fans demand consistency over sporadic brilliance.