Russian Premier League title race heats up with four teams still in contention
The race for the Russian Premier League title remains wide open, according to former defender Dmitry Kombarov. With 22 rounds played, four teams still have a realistic shot at lifting the trophy. Kombarov shared his thoughts on the frontrunners, the underdogs, and the challenges facing some of Moscow's biggest clubs. FC Krasnodar currently tops the table with 49 points, closely followed by Zenit St. Petersburg in second place on 48. Lokomotiv Moscow sits third with 44 points, while CSKA Moscow lingers in fifth, nine points adrift on 39. Kombarov highlighted Krasnodar and Zenit as the main contenders, though he noted that Krasnodar has never won the league—its best finishes being third place in 2014/15, 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2020/21.
He also praised Lokomotiv's consistent performances but was less optimistic about Spartak Moscow. The veteran defender pointed to their defensive weaknesses and tactical inconsistencies as major hurdles. As for CSKA, Kombarov suggested their title hopes hinge on resolving internal problems rather than squad quality alone.
Dynamo Moscow's style of play earned Kombarov's approval, though he ruled them out as serious challengers. In his view, only four teams—Krasnodar, Zenit, Lokomotiv, and CSKA—still have a genuine chance of claiming the championship. The title race remains unpredictable, with Krasnodar's narrow lead offering no guarantees. Kombarov's assessment underscores the importance of stability and tactical discipline in the final stretch. With 12 matches left, any slip-up could shift the balance among the top contenders.
