Krasnodar – CSKA

CSKA won't disgrace themselves in the return semifinal match.

Football experts and fans, following the results of the first leg of the Russian Premier League Cup path between CSKA Moscow and Krasnodar, agreed that the rivalry between these clubs has finally grown into enmity that can be compared to a full-fledged derby. It all began last year with the disputed sending-off of John Cordoba in a Moscow Premier League first-round match, followed by a scuffle and exchanges between the coaches at the post-match press conference. In the return match, Moises was sent off, having provoked Cordoba in Moscow. Finally, in early March this year, fans again got a salad of controversial refereeing decisions, a broken and garbage-strewn away locker room, and accusations of racism aimed at the Moscow crowd. The match itself ended in a 3-1 victory for CSKA, which allows the Army Men to count on the final success after the two-legged tie. At the same time, the state of both squads makes the outcome of the return match unpredictable. Bookmakers have identified the home team as favorites for the upcoming confrontation, offering odds of 1.78 on their victory. Krasnodar on Saturday almost disgraced themselves in Sochi. Playing in the championship on the field of the worst Premier League team, the Bulls were forced to score the winning goal in stoppage time added to the second half from a penalty, which might not have existed if the VAR room staff hadn't been so principled. Not one of Krasnodar's four matches in 2026 has come close to playing at championship level. The Moscow club reached a situation last weekend where it was forced to issue official statements and apologize to its fans. On Saturday the Army Men were guests in Kaliningrad, where they lost a fourth consecutive Premier League match, three of which occurred in March this year. This state of affairs is especially surprising after the club's strong transfer campaign during the winter break and discussions about a title challenge. In fact, the win from two weeks ago over Krasnodar is the only bright spot for CSKA in 2026. The situation Fabio Celestini finds himself in obliges him to ignore the result of the first leg and not overdo rotation, but to play at the Ozon Arena with an eye toward a victorious outcome. The visitors will put up a worthy performance.