On 15 January, two RPL teams played first friendly matches at winter camps.

CSKA Moscow 2-2 Simba SC

The Armymen gained two-goal lead in the first half thanks to Fedor Chalov and Jesus Medina goals, but 22-time Tanzania champions made a comeback in the second half, and game ended drawn.

Akhmat Grozny 0-0 TSC Backa Topola

Akhmat faced Serbian Superliga team, and both sides ended goalless. Gamid Agalarov could make scoresheet, but his goal was called off, as there was offside.

Next teams' friendlies: Thursday 19 January – CSKA vs Orenburg, Akhmat vs Partizan Belgrade