CSKA Moscow 3-1 Lokomotiv Moscow — CSKA Moscow won the Moscow derby in the Russian Cup on 30 October 2026, beating Lokomotiv Moscow 3-1 to advance to the next round. A first-half strike from Dmitri Sokolov and a well-worked team goal from Artyom Belov put the home side in control, and although Lokomotiv pulled one back through Pavel Voronin after the break, Sokolov’s second goal restored CSKA’s two-goal cushion and settled the tie.

Match overview

CSKA started with the kind of intensity expected from a home cup tie and were rewarded early. The Army Men pressed high, forced Lokomotiv into rushed passes and created the first clear opening inside the opening quarter of an hour. Lokomotiv grew into the game after conceding, enjoying longer spells of possession, but CSKA’s shape remained compact and dangerous on the counter.

The match was played at a sharp tempo, with both sides committing numbers forward in transition. Lokomotiv’s best period came immediately after half-time, when Voronin’s goal gave the visitors hope of a comeback. CSKA, however, managed the game well, slowed the rhythm when needed and struck again at a crucial moment to remove any doubt about the result.

Key moments

• 14th minute: CSKA take the lead. Sokolov arrives at the near post and turns a low cross beyond the Lokomotiv goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
• 38th minute: Belov doubles the advantage with a composed finish after a quick passing move through midfield.
• 56th minute: Lokomotiv respond. Voronin meets a delivery into the box and heads past the CSKA goalkeeper to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
• 72nd minute: Sokolov restores CSKA’s two-goal lead, finishing calmly after being played through on the right side of the penalty area.
• 84th minute: CSKA’s goalkeeper produces a strong save to deny Lokomotiv a late route back into the tie.

Tactical story

CSKA’s approach was built on quick vertical passes and aggressive pressing in the first half. The home side repeatedly targeted the space between Lokomotiv’s full-backs and centre-backs, with Sokolov’s movement causing problems throughout. When CSKA won the ball back in midfield, they looked to attack immediately rather than allowing Lokomotiv to reset.

Lokomotiv had more possession after the interval and found some joy down the flanks, but they struggled to break through the centre. CSKA’s midfield protected the back four well, and the team’s willingness to defend as a unit made the difference in the final 20 minutes. The third goal was a perfect illustration of CSKA’s game plan: a turnover, a direct pass and a clinical finish.

Standout performers

Dmitri Sokolov was the obvious match-winner for CSKA, scoring twice and stretching the Lokomotiv defence with his runs. Artyom Belov also impressed, combining energy in midfield with a crucial goal. At the back, CSKA’s goalkeeper made important saves at 2-1 and late on, while the centre-back pairing dealt well with Lokomotiv’s crosses.

For Lokomotiv, Pavel Voronin was the bright spot. His header gave the visitors a lifeline and he remained a threat in and around the box. Lokomotiv’s captain worked hard to drive the team forward, but the visitors lacked the final pass needed to turn their second-half pressure into an equaliser.

Cup impact

The result sends CSKA Moscow into the next round of the Russian Cup and adds another memorable chapter to the long head-to-head history between these two Moscow clubs. For Lokomotiv, the defeat ends their cup run and leaves them to focus on their league campaign. CSKA will take confidence from the win, not only because it was a derby victory but because it came with three goals, a strong second-half response and a place in the next round.

In a competition where momentum can shift quickly, CSKA’s ability to score at key moments proved decisive. The 3-1 scoreline was fair on the balance of chances, and it gives the home side a positive result to build on as they look ahead to the next stage of the Russian Cup.