Vladimir Ponomarev, a former CSKA Moscow player and a member of the USSR national team, weighed in on Anton Zabolotny’s performance during the round 14 clash between CSKA and Paris NN in the Russian Premier League. He shared his thoughts in an interview with RB Sports, offering a veteran eye on the league’s current striker.
Ponomarev admitted that Zabolotny might not stand out for flashy technical footwork or dazzling one-on-one dribbles, yet he emphasized that the forward embodies the fighting spirit that teams crave. He described Anton as a competitor who can conduct himself like a gentleman on the field while never shying away from the challenge, even when the stakes are high and the spotlight is bright.
The CSKA versus Paris NN match unfolded at Moscow’s VEB Arena, where the home side dug deep to secure a 3-2 victory. Zabolotny found the back of the net, contributing to a performance that fans and observers described as gritty and purposeful. The match report from socialbites.ca provided live coverage, capturing the momentum and key moments as they happened.
With the win, CSKA climbed to 24 points and moved into third place in the current league standings. Paris NN, meanwhile, collected 20 points and settled in eighth position, underscoring the competitive distance between the two clubs as the season progresses. The result added another chapter to a campaign filled with tight battles, bold surges, and the ongoing pursuit of European qualification spots.
Looking ahead, CSKA is scheduled to play away from home against Fakel Voronezh in the upcoming round, a test of travel, form, and tactical cohesion after a demanding sequence of fixtures. Paris NN will welcome Baltika Kaliningrad on their home soil, seeking to reinforce their position with a result that could shift the table dynamics in their favor. These fixtures will be watched closely by fans and analysts who are tracking the shape and momentum of both sides as the season moves toward its final stages.
Previously recognized as a standout among CSKA players, Zabolotny’s continued involvement in high-pressure matches seems to reflect a broader team philosophy: victory through resilience, collective effort, and practical execution rather than over-elaboration. The player’s evolving role within the squad mirrors a trend in Russian football where a fighter’s mentality often translates into reliable performances when league standings tighten and the timetable narrows.