CSKA Moscow vs. Spartak Moscow: Inside Russia’s fiercest football rivalry
No football match has as much tradition, passion, and emotion as the Main Moscow Derby (Glavnoye moskovskoye derbi) in Russia. When the teams of CSKA Moscow and Spartak Moscow face each other, the entire city holds its breath. It is a rivalry built on the differences between two competing cultures, decades of domination domestically, and struggle for supremacy in the city.
CSKA Moscow vs Spartak Moscow
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The Beginnings: Army vs. The People
The origins of this rivalry go back to the time of Soviet Union and reflect the identities of two teams:
CSKA Moscow (The Army Men): Established in 1911 as the official sporting organization of Soviet army (Central Sports Club of the Army).
Spartak Moscow (The People’s Team): Established in 1922 by Nikolai Starostin. Spartak was an independent sports club not affiliated with any trade union or ministry. It soon became the team of the working class and was called “Narodnaya Komanda” (The People’s Team).
1. The Origins of the Rivalry: Army VS. The People
To grasp the significance behind this match-up, one needs to return to the roots of these institutions during the Soviet time.
CSKA Moscow: Army Men (Krasno-siniye)
Founded in 1911 as a part of the Ski Sports Society, CSKA became the state-sponsored sports club for the Soviet Armed Forces. Traditionally supported by the Ministry of Defense, CSKA symbolized state structure, organization and tactics. CSKA gained the nicknames of Koni (Horses) and Krasno-siniye (Red-Blues), developing a culture of physical and mental strength.
Spartak Moscow: People’s Team (Krasno-belyye)
Founded in 1922 by the Starostin brothers, Spartak pursued a completely different route. In contrast to other rival clubs that were financed by separate military divisions or police departments, Spartak relied on public trade unions as sponsors. Such independence helped Spartak to become the club of people very fast and Spartak received its legendary nickname of Narodnaya Komanda (People’s Team).
2. Decades of Dominance: How the Power Shifted
Moscow Derbies have gone through several eras where one side has been dominant, only to have things turn around at some point.
The Soviet Era
During the first couple of decades of the Soviet championship, Spartak was well-established as one of the best teams in the country having won 12 championships in the Soviet Top League. Meanwhile, CSKA experienced glorious times in their history including the famed “Lieutenant Team” of the late 1940s, which helped set the scene for continuous rivalry in the capital city.
The Spartak Golden Era
After the fall of the Soviet Union, Spartak started a period of unmatched dominance in the league by winning 9 out of the first 10 Russian Premier League championships. This has happened because of iconic coach Oleg Romantsev and a style of play based on quick passing that could overcome all domestic opponents.
The Rise of the Modern CSKA
With the new millennium came a great revolution. Led by visionary leaders and constant tactical success, CSKA managed to field a lineup featuring such names as Igor Akinfeev, Sergei Ignashevich, Alan Dzagoev, and the Brazilian magician Vágner Love.
In 2005, CSKA became the first Russian team to ever win the UEFA Cup.
Matchday Atmosphere and Ultra Culture
Matchday Atmosphere and Ultra Culture
Regardless of whether it is being hosted in CSKA’s impressive VEB Arena or Spartak’s brand new LUKOIL Arena, matchday in Moscow is a truly special experience.
Tifo and Pyro Shows: Weeks ahead of time, fans from each club prepare a spectacular tifo and pyro show to perform throughout the stadium.
Constantly Chanting: The ultras in front of both goals chant loudly during the whole 90 minutes of play, making life hard for opposition players.
Security and Intense Rivalry: Due to the bitter rivalry that exists between the organized fan groups, there is intense security presence around metro stations and stadiums on matchdays in Moscow.
Why the Moscow Derby is So Special?
Differentiating from other geographically driven derbies, the one between CSKA and Spartak is based on cultural identity, history, political heritage and sports prestige. Being victorious means being talked about for many months ahead, while being defeated may change the whole course of the season.
Both clubs being constantly re-built with young players and new tactics, the Main Moscow Derby stays the pinnacle of Russian football.