Former Spartak goalkeeper Alexander Filimonov comments on Vladislav Torop’s role and explains the injuries suffered in the Zenit rematch
Alexander Filimonov, once the goalkeeper for Moscow’s Spartak club, weighs in on the future of Vladislav Torop, the CSKA stopper who is set to participate in the Russian Cup and Russian Premier League Road final held in Saint Petersburg. Filimonov also reflects on the circumstances that led to a serious injury in the rematch against Zenit’s hometown team. His observations, shared with Sports Express, aim to shed light on the guard’s mindset and the physical toll of high-stakes fixtures.
Filimonov points to a moment that can change a match in an instant. He suggests Torop may have felt relief or perhaps displayed a degree of carelessness that can surface when a game becomes particularly tense. The veteran believes that a strong response is required in such moments: athletes must increase their intensity, tighten their group formation, and maintain unwavering attention to the field. According to him, Torop approached the ball as if the exercise was a routine training drill, a perception Filimonov interprets as a signal to sharpen preparation for demanding clashes. He emphasizes the need to prepare for intense confrontations and to stay fully focused until the whistle signals the end of the contest, a message he conveyed to readers of Sports Express.
The incident occurred during the 36th minute of a Russian Cup match in Saint Petersburg when Torop collided with an opposing player, Nuraly Alip, inside his own penalty area. The collision left the CSKA goalkeeper unable to continue, and he was carried off the pitch by an electric vehicle before being transported to a medical facility. Medical staff diagnosed multiple fractures of the facial skull, and Torop underwent surgery on May 17. After several days in hospital, he was discharged on May 22, marking a significant moment for the team both on and off the field.
With Torop out, Vladimir Shaikhutdinov, aged 19, stepped onto the pitch to fill the vacancy in goal. The match concluded with a scoreless regulation period at 0-0, but in the ensuing penalty shootout Zenit edged CSKA 5-4. Anton Zabolotny, a player from CSKA, failed to convert the single penalty awarded to his team, a moment that would echo in discussions about the game and its outcome.
Reports from CSKA have consistently addressed Torop’s recovery timeline following the injury. The club’s medical staff and coaching leadership have remained focused on the rehabilitation plan, outlining expected milestones and the steps needed for a full return to competitive play. Filimonov’s perspective aligns with a broader conversation about player safety, long-term health, and the careful balance between ambition and well-being in professional football. The supporters and analysts continue to monitor updates as Torop progresses through treatment and training phases, hoping to see him back in action when the team requires his shot-stopping and leadership in the goal. The narrative surrounding his return remains a topic of debate and a reminder of the physical demands placed on modern goalkeepers in the Russian football landscape.
Filimonov’s insights, expressed through Sports Express, underscore the importance of mental preparation and situational awareness for goalkeepers. The event in Saint Petersburg, though unfortunate for Torop, serves as a case study in how players adapt to adversity after injuries and how teams recalibrate their strategies in the wake of setbacks. As the season unfolds, Torop’s rehabilitation and eventual return will be watched closely by fans, teammates, and medical professionals alike, with the expectation that his experience will contribute to a sharper, more resilient approach on the field.