Spartak Moscow vs Rubin

Neither side created a clear-cut chance in a first half that was high on aggression but low on quality in the final third. Rubin collected two yellow cards inside the opening 25 minutes (11' and 25'), and Spartak responded with three of their own before the break (26', 39', 44'). The half-time whistle arrived at 0-0 with five combined bookings already on the board.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Spartak pressed for an opener — Marquinhos and Solari both had sights of goal — but Staver held firm. Rubin's best moment came through Mirlind Daku, who forced a save from Spartak goalkeeper Illya Pomazun midway through the half.

The most significant event arrived on 70 minutes when Ilya Samoshnikov entered the fray for Rubin, making his debut for the club after completing a loan move from Spartak earlier that day. The full-back, who had been at Spartak since 2023, was given a low-key introduction to his new side. Spartak's fourth yellow card arrived in the 88th minute as frustration crept in.

There was no single moment that swung this match — it was a stalemate from start to finish. Spartak's attack, featuring Marquinhos, Solari and Ezequiel Barco, failed to generate a shot on target that truly tested Staver. Rubin's deep defensive block absorbed pressure without panic.

Andrey Staver (Rubin) — The Rubin goalkeeper kept a clean sheet, marshalling a defence that kept Spartak at arm's length.

Marquinhos (Spartak) — The Brazilian winger was Spartak's most dangerous outlet, forcing Staver into the game's only meaningful save.

Ruslan Litvinov (Spartak) — Anchored the midfield and distributed efficiently.

Player of the match: Andrey Staver (Rubin)

The match ended 0-0 with six yellow cards — four for Spartak, two for Rubin. The H2H record shows 19 previous meetings: Spartak 11 wins, Rubin 3, draws 5. This was the sixth goalless draw in the fixture's history.

Spartak finished fourth in 2025/26 RPL with 52 points; Rubin ended eighth with 43. Both sides are midway through pre-season ahead of the 2026/27 RPL season starting 27 July.

Spartak's next friendly is against Lokomotiv Moscow on 11 July, while Rubin host Krylya Sovetov on the same day.

A forgettable friendly remembered only for Samoshnikov's debut. Neither side showed enough in the final third, though Rubin's defensive organisation offered a sturdier base than Spartak's recycled possession.