CSKA Moscow Dominates Lokomotiv Moscow in Russian Premier League Derby

The Moscow derby lived up to its billing as CSKA Moscow delivered a commanding 3-1 victory over rivals Lokomotiv Moscow in the Russian Premier League on May 17, 2026. Playing on home soil at the VEB Arena, the Army Men secured a crucial three points in front of their fervent supporters, tightening their grip on a top-four finish.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, CSKA set the tempo with high pressing and quick transitions. The opening goal came in the 23rd minute when winger Anton Zabolotny latched onto a through ball and slotted past the Lokomotiv goalkeeper. The hosts doubled their lead just before halftime through a set-piece header from central defender Igor Diveev.

Lokomotiv pulled one back early in the second half with a well-taken strike from Maksim Glushenkov, but CSKA restored their two-goal cushion in the 68th minute via a penalty converted by Fyodor Chalov after a foul in the box. The visitors pushed for a second but CSKA’s defense held firm.

Key Moments

• 23' – Zabolotny opens the scoring with a clinical finish after a clever pass from Jesus Medina.
• 45+1' – Diveev rises highest to meet a corner, making it 2-0.
• 52' – Glushenkov cuts inside and fires low into the far corner to give Lokomotiv hope.
• 68' – Chalov sends the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot to make it 3-1.

Tactical Story

CSKA head coach Marko Nikolić set up in a 4-3-3, exploiting Lokomotiv’s narrow midfield with overlapping full-backs. The Army Men’s intensity in midfield disrupted Lokomotiv’s rhythm, particularly through Maksim Mukhin, who won key duels. Lokomotiv attempted to build through Dmitri Barinov but were often forced wide, where their crosses lacked precision against CSKA’s tall center-backs.

Standout Players

• Fyodor Chalov – A constant threat and cool from the spot.
• Igor Diveev – Imposing in defense and dangerous in attack from set pieces.
• Maksim Glushenkov – Lokomotiv’s brightest spark, scoring a fine individual goal.

Impact on the Table

The win lifted CSKA Moscow to 3rd place in the Russian Premier League standings with 54 points, strengthening their Champions League qualification hopes. Lokomotiv remained 8th, now four points adrift of the European places with only a few matches remaining.