A well-known former forward who wore the shirts of Moscow CSKA and Spartak, along with stints in Dutch and Spanish clubs, spoke about the ongoing fairytale of a media project in Russian football. The conversation focused on the fourth round of the Regional Path where a striking matchup is set to unfold: Samurai versus Khimki, a club from the First League, stepping onto the field for their first competitive clash. The sense of purpose behind this project remains strong, and the speaker hopes the narrative continues to grow rather than fading away.
The veteran striker stressed that Khimki should not be viewed as an unbeatable fortress. He believes the media team still has the potential to raise the volume, spark conversation, and contribute to a sense of order within the sport. With a hint of pride, he noted that media-led efforts sometimes punch above their weight when facing teams from lower tiers, underscoring how determination, coaching know-how, and player commitment can create meaningful connections between media-led organizations and professional football. This sentiment resonates with many who follow the game closely and see such cross-disciplinary ventures as a source of fresh energy in a crowded landscape [Source: interview materials, attribution].
Across the national cup competition, 2Drots has already carved out a path as a pioneer, advancing through all three stages of the tournament. Securing two more victories would set up a clash with a top tier Russian Premier League side, a potential milestone that would elevate the project into the limelight of higher-level play. In the most recent national cup campaign, 2Drots won two matches but was eliminated in the third on penalties by Tekstilshchik Ivanovo. That result has served as motivation for the team and its supporters to tighten tactics and strengthen every department, from defense to attack, and everything in between. The focus has shifted toward building resilience and refining processes that translate media energy into on-field results, with an eye toward sustainability for the long run [Attribution: project timeline notes].
Valery Masalitin, a figure long linked with Spartak and other major clubs, discussed the principled approach guiding Guillermo Abascalem as he selects players and structures lineups. The dialogue highlighted how strategic formation choices and the integration of rising talent are central to the team’s evolving identity. Observers note that the interplay between coaching philosophy and on field execution is becoming a talking point in local football, as fans and analysts watch to see how a media-driven initiative can adapt to the rigors of professional competition. The discussion around Abascalem’s methods reflects a broader trend where non-traditional clubs test ideas at the top levels while staying grounded in the realities of league play and the pressures of cup campaigns. The overarching message is clear: disciplined preparation, smart recruitment, and adaptability are essential ingredients that Masalitin believes will determine how far this ambitious project can go in the current season and beyond [Cited remarks collected for context].