Krasnodar's goalkeeper Stanislav Agkatsev emerged as the hero in a tense Russian Cup final against Dynamo Moscow, making two crucial saves during the penalty shootout to propel his team to victory. The match ended 0-0 after regular time, leading to a dramatic shootout that concluded 6-5 in favor of Krasnodar. This win sends Krasnodar through to the Superfinal of the Russian Cup, where they will face Moscow's Spartak.
Agkatsev shared his thoughts on the intense encounter, acknowledging the high stakes for Dynamo. He emphasized that his team views both the league and the cup with equal importance, and the ambition to secure two trophies drives them forward. The goalkeeper described the match as a tough one, fully aware that Dynamo would be playing at their maximum effort for a chance at silverware.
During the penalty shootout, Agkatsev employed a combination of preparation and intuition. He noted that some opponents changed their usual approach, while others struck the ball as he had anticipated. The keeper expressed frustration when he guessed correctly but still couldn't make the save. A particular point of interest was the moment involving a note on a water bottle, which Agkatsev kept secret, simply stating it was part of the preparation and his instinct.
Regarding Dynamo's Tyukavin's penalty, Agkatsev revealed he had committed to his dive early and faced a powerful shot. He was surprised that Augusto did not score, as he had no doubts about the player's ability. Throughout the shootout, Agkatsev maintained a positive relationship with Dynamo's goalkeeper, Lunyov, and the entire sequence was conducted in good spirits. He expressed pure enjoyment for the game and every moment on the pitch.
For the final penalty, taken by Casares, Agkatsev expected a shot into the corner but was tested by a central strike. He managed to get a foot to the ball, a reaction he described as instinctive. This save sealed the victory for Krasnodar, capping off a memorable performance from the young shot-stopper.
The first leg of the Path of the RPL final between Dynamo and Krasnodar had taken place on April 8, also ending in a goalless draw. With this shootout triumph, Krasnodar advances to the Superfinal. The day prior, Spartak had defeated CSKA 1-0 in the Path of the Regions final, setting the stage for an exciting cup showdown.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.