Memory
The match with Thun, as well as all other official events with the participation of clubs playing under the Spartak brand, began with a moment of silence in memory of a famous fan.
On the eve of the meeting, Alexei Vasyuk, also known as Bakhyt, died in one of the hospitals in Novocherkassk from injuries sustained in a serious accident in the Rostov Region.
In the fan world, he was known for never missing away meetings of his beloved team. In total, Alexey visited 515 trips with the football clubs Spartak and Spartak-2, as well as the red and white hockey team. The life of a loyal fan cut short on the road after the match of his favorite team in Grozny.
Bakhyt. You are with us forever.
Remember. pic.twitter.com/3PV89TsnFn
In memory of a friend, the fans placed several banners on the platform outside the gates, including a large black canvas with a phrase from the deceased's favorite song.
UEFA did not stay away from the tragedy. The European Union allowed the metropolitan team to start the match with a moment of silence, and the speech preceding the official ceremony was duplicated for guests from Switzerland in German.
Guys, thanks.
Bakhyt, this is a victory for you. pic.twitter.com/9RKWVYyHyt
The memory action was held by the players themselves. After the final whistle, the Spartak players changed into special T-shirts and approached the podium to thank the audience for their support.
According to Muscovite captain Georgy Dzhikiya, the tragedy deeply affected all Spartak players.
“I was not personally acquainted with Bahyt, but when this misfortune happened, I looked at who Lesha was for the club. More than 400 trips for all organizations. This is a huge loss for Spartak, today's victory is dedicated to him. We all remember that today he also watched the game, this victory is for him, ”the Spartak leader admitted.
The trust
The results of recent games went to “Spartak” in favor. Despite the working day and not the loudest sign of the meeting, many spectators gathered in Tushino. The team’s game from the stands “Opening of the Arena” was watched by 33,076 people. For comparison, the team was able to gather the same audience this season only for a crucial match with Dynamo.
It is worth noting that Spartak really managed to regain the trust of its fans. So, for the upcoming meeting with the capital CSKA, which will be held on Monday, August 19, almost all tickets have already been sold. Therefore, the support of the stands, red and white can be no doubt.
Guests
At the return meeting of the third qualifying round, eminent guests arrived. In particular, the head coach of the Russian national football team Stanislav Cherchesov.
According to a number of media reports, the steering team of the country is the main candidate for the role of potential successor Oleg Kononov. And, despite the fact that the club’s general director Thomas Zorn denies this information, the fans and some experts are sure that the former red-white coach will soon return to the Muscovites coaching bridge.
Thomas, Cherchesov and Mikhailov.
It would seem, well, what does Cherchesov have to do with it?) Pic.twitter.com/Ki2dbfujer
Cherchesov’s appearance at the match only strengthened such thoughts, because the club’s first faces turned out to be the club’s neighbors in the VIP box. In addition to the general director, a senior football guest was accompanied by Sergei Mikhailov, deputy chairman of the board of directors of red and white.
A new style
However, despite the rumors, the leadership of the red and white continues to publicly express their support for the head coach of the team Oleg Kononov.
The personality of the current mentor of “Spartak” is worth separately focusing on. Having survived the attack from part of the fans and the demonstration of jackets, which the fans, who were dissatisfied with the game of their team, hung out in the sector of the stadium in Saransk, the coach radically changed his style.
And Oleg Georgievich is stylish :) it’s also better than in jackets :)) pic.twitter.com/CZsbs4ex2N
- Kseniia Rakhnovskaia (@xx_Xenon_xx) August 15, 2019On the edge, Oleg Kononov appeared in an unusual way. The 53-year-old specialist preferred stylish black loose-fitting trousers and a pullover with a white shirt to an official suit, and snow-white sneakers completed the laid-back image.
It is worth noting that the jackets disappeared from the wardrobe of the Spartak coach on the eve of the first match with Thun, since then the red-and-white did not lose a single match, having won three consecutive wins.
At the same time, the specialist himself did not begin to reveal the secrets of changes in his image.
“I would like to joke and answer seriously. I have said before, I will dress as I feel comfortable. The main thing is to be careful. But in a suit you will still see me, ”explained the coach.
Everything is crazy about Schurrle
The German midfielder of Spartak Andre Schurrle in the team for less than a month, but managed to become a real favorite of the stands and the team.
The world champion stood out on the field not only for his technique, but also for his leadership qualities. So, in one of the episodes, the midfielder turned to assistant coach Sergey Kuznetsov with a request to change the team’s tactics.
About this after the match said the mentor of Spartak Oleg Kononov.
"Yes. He really asked to change the vector and start aggressive pressure, ”Kononov admitted.
Shurlik idol of the stands: :) pic.twitter.com/Prw1TZaqk4
- Kseniia Rakhnovskaia (@xx_Xenon_xx) August 15, 2019Schurrle's statistics speak for themselves. The German had only four matches for his new team and had never experienced the bitterness of defeat. Spartak won the world champion three times and once ended the match in a draw. In addition, the 28-year-old legionnaire has already managed to record two goals in his asset and assist his partners twice.
The Spartak public has already appreciated such zeal for victories - from the Schürrle field, which was replaced at the 88th minute of the meeting, the Otkrytie Arena accompanied them with a standing ovation.