Spartak Moscow 3-1 Rodina: Solari stunner & comeback in Russian Cup group stage (full match highlights)

The defending Russian Cup champions Spartak Moscow produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Rodina 3-1 in their Group A clash at the Lukoil Arena on 2 September 2026. The visitors stunned the home crowd when Ivan Timoshenko converted a penalty in the 31st minute after Spartak defender Wou had clumsily brought down Iker Pozo inside the box. The equaliser came just four minutes later, with captain Roman Zobnin producing a moment of magic to dink the ball over the goalkeeper following a clever pass from Mirind Daku. The second half was all about Pablo Solari, who bagged a brilliant brace to secure the victory. The Argentine winger put Spartak ahead in the 65th minute and then doubled his tally in the 78th with a spectacular overhead kick finish from Danil Prutsev's cross, a goal already being compared to Robin van Persie's iconic strike at the 2014 World Cup. Head coach Juan Carlos Carcedo admitted his side were poor in the first half and that Rodina deserved more from the game, but praised the team's improved aggression after the interval. The result lifts Spartak to the top of Group A with seven points, while Rodina remain bottom with three points. With the two sides set to meet again in the return fixture on 15 October, the fans are already looking forward to more drama in this Russian Cup campaign.