Lokomotiv Moscow 1-0 CSKA Moscow | International Club Friendly | 14 July 2026

The fierce Moscow derby took centre stage in a pre-season friendly under the lights at the RZD Arena, and it was Lokomotiv Moscow who claimed bragging rights with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over city rivals CSKA Moscow. The lone goal, scored in the first half, was enough to separate the two sides in a contest that combined pre-season rust with familiar derby intensity.

Match Overview

Both managers used the fixture to test new formations and give minutes to squad players ahead of the upcoming domestic season. Lokomotiv head coach Mikhail Galaktionov fielded a mix of experienced internationals and promising academy graduates, while CSKA counterpart Vladimir Fedotov rotated heavily after a demanding training camp. The match was competitive from the first whistle, with neither side willing to cede ground in the city rivalry, even in a friendly setting.

Key Moment: The Decisive Goal

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Lokomotiv’s creative midfielder Anton Miranchuk picked up the ball on the left flank, cut inside, and unleashed a curling effort from 20 yards that beat CSKA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev at his near post. The goal was a touch of class in an otherwise scrappy first half, and it proved to be the winner. CSKA had chances to equalise, particularly through a second-half header from Fedor Chalov that sailed just over the bar, and a late free-kick from Jesús Medina that was parried away by Lokomotov’s stand-in goalkeeper.

Tactical Story

The match was played at a high tempo in the opening 20 minutes, with both teams pressing aggressively. Lokomotiv settled into a compact 4-3-3 shape, looking to hit on the counter through the pace of Wilson Isidor down the right. CSKA favoured a more possession-based approach but struggled to break down a disciplined Lokomotiv defensive block. The second half saw multiple substitutions disrupt the flow, but Lokomotiv remained organised and saw out the victory with relative comfort. The 1-0 scoreline reflected a contest where defences dominated and clear-cut chances were at a premium.

Standout Players

• Anton Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow) – Scored the winner and provided the creative spark that was missing for much of the evening. His movement between the lines caused constant problems for the CSKA backline.
• Igor Diveev (CSKA Moscow) – The centre-back was solid throughout, making several crucial interceptions and blocks. He was unlucky to be on the losing side after a composed performance.

Season Impact

For Lokomotiv Moscow, this friendly victory builds momentum ahead of the Russian Premier League season. The team showed defensive resilience and the ability to produce a moment of quality in tight games. For CSKA Moscow, the result is a minor setback in pre-season preparations, but the fitness gained and tactical experiments employed will be valuable as they look to challenge for honours. The derby atmosphere, even in a friendly, underlined the intensity of the Moscow rivalry.