Russian Premier League Showdown: FC Krasnodar Hosts CSKA Moscow in a Battle for Top Spot
On December 7, 2025, the Russian Premier League features a pivotal clash as defending champions FC Krasnodar host fierce rivals CSKA Moscow. This encounter is crucial for both title contenders, with the winner potentially securing the top spot before the winter break and setting a strong foundation for the second half of the season.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This Russian Premier League Matchday 18 fixture sees defending champions FC Krasnodar host CSKA Moscow in a true 'six-pointer' that will significantly impact the title race. Currently, FC Krasnodar sits atop the league table with 37 points from 17 matches, while CSKA Moscow trails closely with 36 points, placing them second or third. The narrow points difference makes this clash exceptionally crucial, as the winning team could establish a clear lead before the winter break, bolstering their bid for the season's championship. FC Krasnodar, who secured their first-ever RPL title in the 2024-25 season, are aiming to defend their crown.
Recent Form
FC Krasnodar enters this match in excellent form, having registered 3 wins and 2 draws in their last five official games. Their recent results include a commanding 5-0 home victory against Krylia Sovetov in the Premier League, a 4-0 home win over FC Orenburg in the Russian Cup, a 1-1 away draw with Lokomotiv Moscow in the Premier League, another 1-1 away draw against Baltika in the Premier League, and a 3-1 away win against FC Orenburg in the Russian Cup. This consistent performance has kept them at the top of the table. CSKA Moscow has also shown strong form, with 4 wins and 1 loss in their last five official matches. This includes a 2-0 victory against Gazovik Orenburg in the Premier League, a 1-0 away win against Dynamo Makhachkala in the Russian Cup, and a 3-2 home win against Akron in the Russian Cup. Both teams are approaching this crucial fixture in impressive form.
Key Players & Injury News
For FC Krasnodar, midfielder Eduard Spertsyan is a pivotal figure with 8 goals and 10 assists, while Colombian striker Jhon Cordoba has also been prolific with 7 goals and 4 assists. On the injury front, S. Petrov is expected to be out until late January 2026 due to an Achilles tendon injury, and A. Koksharov and Moses are anticipated to be sidelined until mid-December with hamstring or leg injuries. Defender Jubal is also grappling with a muscle injury. For CSKA Moscow, Kirill Glebov is the leading scorer with 10 goals, and Ivan Oblyakov has contributed 8 goals. Experienced goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev recently returned from injury, providing crucial stability at the back. The team's injury list includes Ramiro Di Luciano, who is expected to be out until mid-December with a knee bruise, while Moisés and Matheus Alves are recovering from muscle or hip injuries.