Striker Soltmurad Bakaev has expressed his elation following Rodina Moscow's historic achievement of securing promotion to the Russian Premier League. The milestone was sealed with a 2-0 victory over Chelyabinsk in the 33rd round of the Pari League, marking the first time in the club's history that it will compete in Russia's top football division.
Speaking to a correspondent from Championat, Bakaev described the feeling as 'incredible,' but was quick to point out that the season's objectives are far from complete. 'The emotions are incredible! But the season is not over. We are going for first place,' he stated, highlighting the team's continued drive to finish at the summit of the First League standings.
This promotion is a significant redemption for Rodina, who came agonizingly close in the 2022/2023 season. That year, the team lost to Pari Nizhny Novgorod in the promotion play-offs by a narrow aggregate score of 2-3, a defeat that undoubtedly fueled their determination for the current campaign.
With the win over Chelyabinsk, Rodina has solidified its position at the top of the First League table. The team has accumulated 65 points from 33 matches, a tally that currently places them in first place. However, the title race remains tight, as their closest rivals, Fakel, also sit on 65 points, creating a compelling final stretch to the season.
The battle for automatic promotion spots is also heating up further down the table. Ural occupies third place with 58 points, while Rotor holds the fourth position with 52 points. The final rounds of the season promise intense competition as teams jockey for the coveted spots that lead to the RPL.
For Bakaev and his teammates, the immediate focus shifts from the euphoria of promotion to the concrete goal of lifting the First League championship trophy. Securing the top spot would be the perfect capstone to a historic season, adding a league title to their groundbreaking promotion.
The club's journey to the RPL represents a major step forward for Moscow-based Rodina, which will now prepare to test itself against the established giants of Russian football. The players and management will be keen to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.