Match Overview and Betting Insights

The first leg of the Russian Cup 2025/26 RPL Path 1/4 final will feature Dinamo Makhachkala against CSKA. This anticipated clash is scheduled for November 5 at Anzhi Arena in Kaspiysk. This preview provides a detailed match prediction, analysis of potential betting opportunities, and key statistics for the Dinamo Makhachkala vs CSKA encounter.

Dinamo Makhachkala’s Performance Analysis

Recent Form and Group Stage Journey

Hasambi Bidzhiyev’s squad concluded their group stage campaign with a 1-3 defeat against Spartak. This crucial fixture against the Moscow club decided the top spot in Group C, which ultimately went to Spartak. It’s noteworthy that this marked Dinamo Makhachkala’s first loss in regular time throughout the group stage, having previously secured 3 wins and 2 draws. Furthermore, Dinamo consistently found the back of the net in every group stage match. The club also demonstrated its capability by reaching the 1/4 finals of the RPL Path in the previous season.

Key Statistics for Dinamo Makhachkala

• Both teams have scored in 5 of Dinamo Makhachkala’s last Russian Cup matches.
• At home, the team has failed to win within 90 minutes in 5 of their last 6 Russian Cup fixtures (2 draws, 3 losses).
• In their last 5 home matches in the national Cup, the club has not scored more than one goal.

Predicted Dinamo Makhachkala Lineup (3-4-3 Formation)*

David Volk – Imadeddin Azzi, Andres Alarcon, Ilyas Akhmedov – Shamil Gadzhiev, Soslan Kagermzov, Abdul Pasha Dzhabrailov, Mohammed Azzi – Hazem Masturi, Radzhab Magomedov, Kirill Zinovich.

CSKA’s Performance Analysis

Group Stage Resilience and Unbeaten Streak

The “Army men” navigated the group stage undefeated in regular time, securing 3 wins and 3 draws. Moreover, the team boasts an impressive 8-match unbeaten run in the Russian Cup within 90 minutes. However, it’s notable that Fabio Celestini’s squad failed to keep a clean sheet in 4 out of 6 matches. With a total of 5 goals conceded, they ranked second only to Lokomotiv (4 goals) in the group. Despite this defensive record, CSKA still managed to surpass the “railroaders” in the overall standings. It’s also worth highlighting that CSKA has reached the RPL Path semi-finals for three consecutive seasons in the Russian Cup.

Key Statistics for CSKA

• CSKA has conceded no more than one goal in 7 of their last 8 Russian Cup matches.
• Away from home in this tournament, the “Army men” have failed to win in regular time in 6 of their last 7 encounters (5 draws, 1 loss).
• In 5 of their last 7 away games in the national Cup, the club has failed to score against their opponents.

Predicted CSKA Lineup (4-4-2 Formation)*

Vladislav Torop – Joao Victor, Dzhamalutdin Abdulkadyrov, Moises Barbosa, Artem Bandikyan – Rodrigo Villagra, Daniel Ruiz, Matija Popovic, Lionel Verde – Gleb Popolitov, Artem Shumansky.

Match Prediction: Dinamo Makhachkala vs CSKA

Dinamo Makhachkala’s Expected Defensive Strategy

Dinamo Makhachkala’s recent clash with Spartak was the first time in their last nine Russian Cup matches that they conceded more than two goals. However, it’s plausible that Dinamo might not have been overly concerned about their exact finishing position in the RPL Path playoffs, which could explain their uncharacteristic defensive performance in that game. I anticipate that Hasambi Bidzhiyev’s players will revert to their typically solid defensive display in the upcoming match.

Home Form and Goal Scoring Trends

At home, Dinamo Makhachkala has conceded no more than one goal in 9 of their last 11 official matches. Furthermore, Dinamo has kept a clean sheet in 6 of those encounters. Interestingly, in their last RPL fixture, the club scored more than once for the first time in 13 previous home games across the Premier League and Russian Cup.

CSKA’s Away Performance and Goal Scoring Concerns

CSKA often rotates its squad in the national Cup, which tends to negatively impact the Muscovites’ attacking output. In their last 7 away games in this tournament, the Army men have only managed to score three goals, failing to find the net in 5 of those matches. Therefore, I don’t anticipate a high-scoring affair against a defensively robust Dinamo Makhachkala side.

Final Prediction

My prediction for this match is “Total Goals Under 2.5” with odds of 1.65.

Author: Aleksey Tarabrin

Note on Lineups

* The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match in this tournament.