CSKA capture eighth Russian Cup through Akinfeev shootout saves

Russian Cup Super Final
FC Krasnodar 1-1 (5-6 pen) CSKA Moscow
Sunday 11 June, Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

Goals: Krasnodar – Cordoba (50); CSKA – Chalov (pen 32)

Penalty shootout: Krasnodar – Spertsyan (1-1), Akhmetov (2-2), Cordoba (3-2), Batxi (3-4, saved shot), Alonso (4-4), Ramirez (5-5), Olusegun (5-6, saved shot); CSKA – Chalov (0-1), Diveev (1-2), Moises (2-2, missed shot), Gajic (3-3), Medina (3-4), Carrascal (4-5), Zabolotny (5-6)

RPL and Regions Paths finally crossed at Luzhniki Big Sports Arena for main final of Russian Cup, it was twelfth participation for CSKA and just second for Krasnodar. The most experienced side ended first half with advantage; Konstantin Kuchaev was tripped in the penalty area, and Fedor Chalov scored from the spot. Second half started with big answer from the Bulls; Jhon Cordoba hit the header for equalizer and became tournament top scorer with seven goals.

It came to penalty shootout, Krasnodar have four series on previous stages and won three of them (all in play-offs), while CSKA lost on penalties to Ural on group stage. Bulls captured lead for little, when Moises sent the ball high, but Igor Akinfeev cut the gap saving Batxi shot, and then stopped Olakunle Olusegun to win the shootout. All this happened in the same area, where Akinfeev beat Spanishes in World Cup fixture in 2018.

CSKA became eight-time Cup winners; it’s one title less, than tournament record holders Lokomotiv. Krasnodar lost second Cup final in club history and again on penalties.