Former Moscow goalkeeper Spartak Alexander Filimonov speaks about the current title race, noting that no one appears capable of stopping Zenit Saint Petersburg from securing the Russian championship once again. He emphasizes that the upcoming battles will be decisive and that Zenit is moving with clear momentum toward another league title. Filimonov says the idea of a championship run remains firmly in Zenit’s hands, and challengers will need something extraordinary to alter the course.
Filimonov adds that Zenit is pressing toward the title with energy and focus, while Krasnodar faces a few vulnerabilities. Although Krasnodar continues to play with energy and freshness, the former goalkeeper underlines concerns about depth and durability over the long stretch of the season. He contends that while Krasnodar has been impressive up to this point, the squad may struggle to sustain the required level when needed most, especially against deeper, more seasoned clubs.
At the winter break, Krasnodar led the standings with 38 points after 18 rounds in the Russian Premier League. Zenit sat in second place, two points behind, followed by Dinamo Moscow on 32 points, and Lokomotiv Moscow in fourth with 31. In fifth place stood Spartak Moscow, a team guided by Guillermo Abascal, which had accumulated 30 points. The standings reflect a tightly contested table as teams approach the second half of the season.
The Russian Championship is set to resume on March 1, 2024, with the 19th round set to kick off on that date. Competitors will be eager to gauge the impact of the winter break, assess squad rotations, and plan strategic adjustments for the second phase of the league schedule.
Filimonov also offers a broader perspective on how clubs in the Russian Premier League manage foreign players. He notes that decisions around foreign talent influence squad balance, integration, and overseas scouting efforts. For clubs aiming to compete at the highest level, the right distribution of foreign and domestic players can shape the outcome of late-season fixtures and influence overall championship prospects.