RPL Matchday 18
Spartak Moscow 2-2 Ural Ekaterinburg
Saturday 4 March, Otkrytie Bank Arena, Moscow

Goals: Spartak – Litvinov (45+4, 75); Ural – Vloet (pen 19), Bicfalvi (64)
Man of the Match: Ruslan Litvinov (Spartak)

Both sides made impressive streaks by the end of first part of the season, as Spartak were unbeaten for eight matches, and Ural took points in seven straight games. But guests started more active, and it led to penalty, which was converted by Rai Vloet. The Red-Whites found the equalizer near the end of first hal, when long shot from Ruslan Litvinov was redirected by Mingiyan Beveev head.

One of RPL top scorers Aleksandr Sobolev finally made first official appearance in 2023 (he is suspended for six Russian Cup matches), but Ural substitution made impact quicker. Aleksandr Yushin found Eric Bicfalvi, who sent the ball to the net and scored in RPL for the first time since September. Spartak stroke back with classic combination with few one-touch passes, and Ruslan Litvinov was the finisher again. Sobolev also found the net, but before he shot there was a referee whistle for attacking the keeper, and teams ended draw.

Spartak stay second on 37 points, while Ural still tenth with 22 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Saturday 11 March – Torpedo vs Ural, Spartak vs Fakel