Dynamo vs CSKA Moscow

Dynamo's first-half blitz was the decisive phase. Schwarz's high-pressing game — the trademark of his first spell at the club — suffocated CSKA in the opening half-hour. The visitors could not escape their own half as Dynamo pressed aggressively, won every second ball, and converted four of their early chances. CSKA improved after the interval but never recovered from the 4-0 deficit.

Konstantin Tyukavin (Dynamo) — Player of the Match. The striker scored the goal of the game with a delicate lob in the 20th minute and led the line with intelligence throughout. He was substituted in the 89th minute having set the tone for Dynamo's attacking display.

Bitello (Dynamo) — Scored one goal, provided the assist for Tyukavin's lob, and was a constant threat from midfield before being substituted in the 74th minute. Received a yellow card on the stroke of half-time.

Timofey Marinkin (Dynamo) — The 18-year-old, who sat his school exams during the off-season, started in central midfield and delivered the assist for Bitello's goal. His composure in possession impressed on his first start in the Bratsk Derby.

David Ricardo (Dynamo) — The Brazilian defender opened the scoring with a fifth-minute header and was solid at the back as Dynamo's high line held firm.

Dynamo's four goals inside 31 minutes came from 1.68 xG in the first half, reflecting efficient finishing rather than a barrage of chances. CSKA's 1.03 xG in the second half — including Carmo's long-range strike and Luciano Gondou's effort saved by Lunev — shows they improved after the break but lacked the cutting edge to mount a serious comeback. The 5-2 scoreline understates Dynamo's first-half dominance but overstates CSKA's second-half threat.

Dynamo ended their pre-season unbeaten and with a statement win over their city rivals. Schwarz's side open the 2026/27 RPL season away to Krylya Sovetov on 24-27 July, with the manager's preferred XI now taking shape — Lunev, Zaydenzal, Osipenko, Ricardo, Skopintsev, Marinkin, Fomin, Bitello, Gladyshev, Gomes and Tyukavin.

CSKA, under new head coach Dmitry Igbisamov, completed pre-season without a single win in six matches — draws with Shinnik, Arsenal Tula and Orenburg, and defeats to Lokomotiv (0-1), Orenburg (0-2) and now Dynamo. They will hope to turn the form around when the RPL season begins on 24-27 July.

Dynamo dominated the first 31 minutes as ruthlessly as any pre-season friendly permits. Schwarz's return to the club has brought back the high-energy, pressing style that defined his first spell, and CSKA had no answer to it. Igbisamov's side showed character after the break but the damage was done. A warning for the rest of the RPL.