Spartak Moscow vs Cherepovets

Cherepovets had fought back to lead 2-1 midway through the first period after Kizimov and Graf scored in a three-minute burst. But Lockhart's equaliser with seven seconds left in the period — a classic momentum-shifting late-period goal — changed the game. Spartak carried that energy into the second period, scoring twice in the opening eight minutes to build a 4-2 lead they never relinquished.

Ilya Kotlyarov (Spartak Moscow) — Two goals (33:13, 53:35), including what proved to be the game-winner. The forward's second strike at 53:35 effectively sealed the result after Cherepovets had briefly threatened a comeback at 4-3.

Egor Graf (Cherepovets) — A brace for the visitors (13:25, 35:56), both goals coming at crucial junctures. Graf's first put Cherepovets ahead, his second kept them within a goal at the second intermission.

Alexander Pashin (Spartak Moscow) — One goal (44:07) that restored Spartak's two-goal cushion early in the third period, taking the wind out of Cherepovets' comeback hopes.

Player of the Match: Ilya Kotlyarov (Spartak Moscow) — His double proved decisive in a game where both teams traded blows from start to finish.

The 10 combined goals reflect the pre-season nature of the fixture — defensive systems not yet fully installed, line combinations still being tested, and both teams prioritising offensive rhythm over defensive solidity. Spartak's ability to score in every period (2-2-2) versus Cherepovets' intermittent finishing (2-1-1) told the story: the hosts were more consistent across 60 minutes. The late-period goals — Lockhart at 19:53 of the first, Kotlyarov at 53:35 of the third — were decisive in a game where no lead felt safe.

The match was played behind closed doors at the Legends of Hockey arena in Sokolniki, Moscow (capacity 5,530). After regulation, both teams conducted a training shootout session, which Spartak won 3-1 — a detail that had no bearing on the official result.

Both sides continue their KHL pre-season preparations. Spartak Moscow next face Torpedo at Sokolniki on 20 August 2026, while Cherepovets have further friendlies scheduled as they build toward the regular season. For Spartak, the 6-4 win extends their positive run in pre-season and will give head coach Alexei Zhamnov useful data on forward combinations, particularly the Kotlyarov-Pashin axis that produced three goals between them.

A chaotic, entertaining pre-season friendly that told us more about both teams' attacking depth than their defensive readiness. Spartak's ability to score in bunches — and crucially, to answer every Cherepovets fightback within minutes — was the difference. Kotlyarov's double was the standout individual performance in a 10-goal spectacle.