Spartak Moscow's Remarkable Turnaround in the RPL
Spartak Moscow has emerged as a surprising contender in the Russian Premier League (RPL), entering the winter break in third place after a remarkable turnaround. Just a month and a half ago, the team was languishing in sixth place, 11 points behind the leaders following a crushing defeat to Krasnodar. Many had written off their championship ambitions, questioning the appointment of coach Dejan Stankovic as yet another failed experiment. However, the red-and-whites have since won six consecutive matches, scoring 19 goals and conceding only 2, overtaking rivals Dynamo, CSKA, and Lokomotiv, and closing in on leaders Zenit and the Bulls.
Key victories during this impressive run include a dominant derby win over CSKA, a 5-2 thrashing of Lokomotiv, and a decisive 3-0 victory against Krasnodar. Central to this resurgence has been the performance of legionnaires Manfred Ugalde and Ezequiel Barco. Ugalde, who struggled early in the season, has found his form, scoring nine goals in four matches since mid-November, while Barco has contributed significantly with assists and goals, helping to elevate the team's overall performance.
Challenges Ahead for Spartak
Despite their current success, Spartak faces significant challenges as they prepare for the second half of the season. The team is reportedly looking to part ways with up to eight players during the winter transfer window, including goalkeeper Aleksandr Selikhov and several midfielders and forwards. While these players have not been key contributors, their departures could impact the team's depth and ability to compete on multiple fronts.
Additionally, Spartak currently lacks a sports director following the departure of Tomas Amaral, which complicates their transfer strategy. The club is actively seeking a replacement, with candidates including Francis Cagigao from Galatasaray and Mauro Leo, previously associated with Roma. As Spartak looks to maintain their momentum and strengthen their squad, the upcoming transfer window will be critical for their championship aspirations.
