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Yeshchenko Criticizes Spartak's Defensive Performance in Krasnodar Loss
Former Spartak Moscow defender Andrey Yeshchenko delivered a scathing assessment of his old club's defensive frailties following their disappointing 2-1 away defeat to Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League, a performance that laid bare the systemic issues plaguing the red-and-whites this season. In a post-match analysis that cut straight to the bone, Yeshchenko didn't mince words, stating unequivocally that such a shambolic defensive display was simply unacceptable for a club of Spartak's stature, drawing parallels to the kind of disorganized back-line play you might see from a relegation-threatened side rather than a historic giant.He pointed specifically to the catastrophic first half where Krasnodar, seizing upon Spartak's passive and error-prone defending, raced to a 2-0 lead, a scoreline Yeshchenko astutely labeled as 'slippery,' a dangerous cushion that often tempts leading teams into a false sense of security, much like Barcelona's infamous collapse against Roma in 2018 after dominating the first leg. The ex-international lamented the team's perplexing lack of aggressive, forward-passing intent at the start of the second half, a tactical timidity that allowed Krasnodar to comfortably manage the game, collect needless yellow cards, and even face a sending-off without Spartak ever truly capitalizing on the mounting pressure until a consolation goal arrived too late.This wasn't merely a bad day at the office; it was a textbook case of a team failing its fundamental defensive duties, with Yeshchenko emphasizing that Spartak didn't just get beaten—they 'themselves provided the opportunity for Krasnodar to score the goals,' a damning indictment reminiscent of a poorly organized defensive unit lacking the leadership and discipline of legends like Franco Baresi or Carles Puyol. The broader context makes this defeat even more painful, as it continues Spartak's inconsistent form in a tightly contested race for European qualification, raising serious questions about the team's mental fortitude and tactical discipline under manager Guillermo Abascal, whose project now faces intensified scrutiny.For Krasnodar, this hard-fought victory, engineered by taking full advantage of their opponent's generosity, solidifies their position as genuine title contenders, proving they possess the clinical edge and game management to punish elite teams when they are at their most vulnerable. The consequences of this result ripple far beyond the three points, potentially defining the trajectory of both clubs' seasons and serving as a stark warning to Spartak that without a radical and immediate improvement in their defensive organization and overall fighting spirit, their ambitions for silverware and Champions League football will remain a distant, fading dream.
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#Spartak Moscow
#Krasnodar
#Russian Premier League
#defense criticism
#match analysis
#Andrey Yeshchenko
