Akron 0-4 Rostov: Four-goal rout and Blagojevic's shame (full highlights)

"I am ashamed of how the team looked on the pitch." Akron manager Srdjan Blagojevic didn't mince words after his side's 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Rostov in the Russian Cup group stage on August 4, 2026. The visitors were ruthless at the Solidarity Samara Arena, with Olakunle Olusegun opening the scoring in the 4th minute and Yaroslav Mikhailov doubling the lead just three minutes later. Imran Aznaurov made it 3-0 in the 50th minute before Danila Prokhin completed the rout in the 65th. Referee Danil Kashirin from Ufa officiated the one-sided contest. Rostov dominated possession with 58%, registered 12 shots (5 on target) and controlled the midfield, while Akron managed just 7 shots (2 on target) and looked utterly toothless. It was Akron's third consecutive defeat, following losses to Zenit (0-5) and Rubin (1-2), and their goal difference now stands at a worrying -11. Rostov, meanwhile, picked up their first three points in Group D, which also features CSKA and Lokomotiv. Blagojevic added: "There was no desire, no aggression, no fight." Can Akron turn their season around before it's too late? They will host Rodina on August 10, while Rostov face Zenit in the RPL on August 9. The Athletic's Russian football correspondent noted that Akron's defensive fragility could see them struggle for survival this season.