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Lokomotiv Moscow eyes comeback as Rudenko fuels cup and league ambitions

Frustration lingers after missed chances, but Rudenko's fiery resolve could spark Lokomotiv's revival. Can they close the gap on Krasnodar?

The image shows a group of soccer players celebrating a goal on a field. We can see the players...
The image shows a group of soccer players celebrating a goal on a field. We can see the players standing on the ground, some of them holding bottles, while others are clapping their hands in joy. In the background, we can see a fence, banners with pictures and text on them, metal poles, chairs, and a roof with ceiling lights.

Lokomotiv Moscow eyes comeback as Rudenko fuels cup and league ambitions

Lokomotiv Moscow is preparing for a crucial week as they face Akron at home on March 22. The team currently sits third in the Russian Premier League (RPL), five points behind leaders Krasnodar. Forward Aleksandr Rudenko recently shared his thoughts on the club's ambitions in both the league and the upcoming Russian Cup fixture.

Rudenko spoke openly in an interview with Match TV about the team's recent performance. He admitted frustration over a missed opportunity in the match against Rubin, believing it could have shifted the game's outcome. Despite this, he remains confident that Lokomotiv still has plenty to fight for in both the cup and the league.

This season has seen Lokomotiv drop from an early top-four position to sixth in the 2025/26 campaign. Meanwhile, Krasnodar has held steady in second place, while Zenit St Petersburg has dominated as league champions in the past two seasons. Historically, Lokomotiv has struggled to break into the top two, finishing fifth in 2023/24 and fourth in 2024/25. The club's immediate focus is on securing a win in the Russian Cup and taking all three points against Akron in the RPL. A strong result would help close the gap on Krasnodar and reinforce their push for a higher league finish.

Lokomotiv Moscow enters the match against Akron with clear targets. A victory would boost their position in both the league and the cup. With Rudenko's determination and the team's current form, they aim to turn their season around in the coming weeks.

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