The second leg of the Russian Cup 2025/26 RPL Path quarter-final between Lokomotiv and Spartak will take place on November 26 at the RZD Arena in Moscow. The first match ended with a 3-1 victory for Spartak. Lokomotiv vs. Spartak: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Lokomotiv
Mikhail Galaktionov's side suffered a 1-3 defeat in the first match. This was only the team's second loss in regular time in the current Russian Cup campaign (4 wins, 1 draw). The last time Lokomotiv conceded more than two goals in this tournament was in March 2022. To advance to the RPL Path semi-finals, the club needs a big win, but the last time the Railwaymen thrashed Spartak at an official level was in the 2006/07 season.
- The team has conceded in 12 of their previous 15 matches in the national Cup.
- At home in this tournament, Lokomotiv has not lost in regular time in 11 of their last 13 matches (9 wins, 2 draws).
- At least one opponent failed to score in 5 of the Railwaymen's last 6 home games in the Russian Cup.
Predicted lineup for Lokomotiv (4-5-1)
Daniil Veselov – Cristian Ramirez, Gerzino Nyamsi, Alexander Silyanov, Sesra Montes – Danil Prutsev, Zelimkhan Bakaev, Alexey Batrakov, Artem Timofeev, Dmitry Barinov – Nikolay Komlichenko.
Defender Evgeny Morozov is injured.
Spartak
The victory in the last match was Spartak's third consecutive win in the Russian Cup. However, it's worth noting that the team has conceded in all matches during this period. Moreover, the club has failed to keep a clean sheet in 7 of their previous 9 games in this tournament. The RPL Path semi-final is assured for the Moscow side even if they lose by a minimal margin. If Spartak loses by exactly two goals, the opponents will face a penalty shootout.
- The capital club has scored at least twice in 4 of their last 5 matches in the national Cup.
- Away from home, the team has won 7 of their last 8 matches in the Russian Cup (1 loss).
- In 9 of their last 12 away games in this tournament, Spartak has not conceded more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Spartak (4-3-3)
Ilya Pomazun – Alexander Djiku, Daniil Denisov, Christopher Wu, Igor Dmitriev – Nail Umyarov, Gedson Fernandes, Ezequiel Barco – Pablo Solari, Levi Garcia, Marquinhos.
In the team's infirmary are defender Srdjan Babic, midfielder Danil Zorin, and forwards Theo Bongonda, Levi Garcia.
Lokomotiv vs. Spartak: Match Prediction
The last match confirmed that Spartak is an uncomfortable opponent for the Railwaymen. Lokomotiv has won only 2 of the last 10 official head-to-head encounters (1 draw, 7 losses), conceding in all matches during this period. However, the club has also scored against their city rivals in 8 matches during the same period. Given the result of the first game, Mikhail Galaktionov's side will need to focus on attack. It's worth noting that Lokomotiv is the most prolific team in the RPL 2025/26, and in their group in the Russian Cup, the club has scored the most goals.
Spartak, with a comfortable lead, can play more strategically. The team will have their chances, and effective finishing will allow them to catch the Railwaymen on the counterattack. The club's scoring streak in the Premier League and national Cup totals 21 matches. In the second most important tournament, Spartak has scored at least twice in 5 of their last 7 matches. However, Vadim Romanov's side will find it challenging to keep a clean sheet. The encounter with CSKA in the last RPL round was only the second game without conceding in their previous 9 official matches.
Additionally, both teams have scored in the last 7 official head-to-head meetings. This is another factor in favor of the prediction: Both teams to score – yes
