Rostov – Akhmat

Rostov and Akhmat are unlikely to score goals

On Sunday, 28 May, Rostov will play at home against Akhmat. Valeriy Karpin's side still retain a realistic chance of winning medals, but they need only to win to do so. The club from Grozny can theoretically make it into the top three, but for that to happen they need a lot of matches in two rounds, and even with two wins. Rostov have traditionally under Valery Karpin failed to finish the championship. The team literally collapsed under the pressure of serious circumstances. The southerners suffered three straight defeats in the key moment of the season. Even more surprisingly, Rostov found themselves in trouble against rivals where they were not considered outsiders. First, the medal contender managed to lose at home to Fakel, then was beaten away by the unmotivated Sochi, and then fell victim to Krasnodar, who had previously given their all in the Cup of Russia. The goal difference in three games was 0-6 on aggregate. In a word - a disaster for the club. There are objective reasons for such a failure. The team has lost some key players. And the squad was virtually without substitutes. Utkin never found his form in the second half of the season. Komlichenko got injured at a crucial moment. There are also less significant, but painful losses. Karpin is forced to field very young players, or players of a low level who were not suited for the starting line-up. In particular, Toschevski was already involved in the last match. He was called up from the reserve team. The refereeing issue is also important. Rostov have for a long time been awarded penalties in almost every match. Now there is no such favour from the referees. Akhmat continue to surprise. Coach Sergei Tashuev has done an outstanding job. The coach has lifted the club into the ranks of the leaders of Russian football, although during the first part of the season Grozny were feared to be fighting for survival. The most interesting thing is that the mentor's system is working, despite the difficulties. The club have already lost almost their entire core attacking group. Konate, Berisha, Sadulaeva and Gbambla have been dropped. Akhmat still continues to take discipline, although they have players with very modest opportunities in attack. Akhmat have won their last three games 11-1. This is also a surprising fact. Tashuev has always been known for his ability to build a quality defence, but here Akhmat have caught a nerve on attack. The atmosphere in the team is at a high level. The two teams have a lot of personnel losses. Attacking football is unlikely. Both clubs are claiming medals in terms of the standings, but their chances are minimal. If Spartak win their match, the motivation of the opponents will be significantly reduced.