Zabey Xlusevich could have maintained the draw against Spartak
Former midfielder, ex-player of Krasnodar "Kuban" Aleksey Selin expressed his thoughts in an interview with Euro-Football.Ru correspondent Kirill Ivantsov regarding Moscow "Spartak" team's heavy defeat at home to "Baltika" in the second round of the Russian championship. This was reported by Euro-football.ru.
He emphasized that the expulsion of a team player at the beginning of the game was a very unfortunate event. This situation completely changes the course of the game.
When preparing for the game, the coach devises a plan based on various situations, considering strengthening the attack or the flanks. However, it is difficult to anticipate a player's expulsion at the start of the game.
"Baltika" quickly took advantage of the numerical superiority of the opponent. At the same time, problems also arose in "Spartak's" defense.
During the break, coach Stankovich gave new instructions to the players, but at the beginning of the second half, the team conceded the first goal. After that, another expulsion occurred – Markinyos was sent off.
This decision was very controversial. The shortcomings of the VAR system became evident.
I believe that Sausyan's offside situation was clear. The issue of expulsion based on the second yellow card should have been reviewed through VAR.
Despite all the difficulties, when the score was 0:1, Xlusevich could have controlled the ball better and scored a goal. Then "Spartak" could have saved the draw.
However, the team soon conceded the second and third goals, during which the defenders responded late. There are issues in "Spartak's" defense even without expulsions.
Regarding why Zabolotniy played in the starting lineup in the first two rounds, Selin mentioned that perhaps Stankovich considered Zabolotniy to have played better than Ugalde. In the next round, Zabolotniy will not be able to play due to disqualification.
Therefore, Stankovich will have the opportunity to give Ugalde practice in the midweek Cup game, preparing him for the starting lineup against "Akron." In the first round of the group stage of the Russian Cup, "Spartak" will play against "Rostov."
"Rostov" eliminated "Spartak" from this tournament last season.
