"If you fall under such an Umyarov, it won't seem enough!"

In an interview with Izvestia, former Spartak captain Egor Titov praised the level of the central match of the 21st round between Spartak and Zenit, and also gave an assessment to the leading players of the contenders for the title.

— How would you rate the match between Spartak and Zenit?

— I think this is one of the best matches of the season. In terms of intensity and density, it definitely corresponded to the level of the Champions League! Spartak was very good. I don't want to single anyone out. It was a real team: one for all and all for one.

The first half turned out to be equal. Sometimes it even seemed that Zenit's approaches were more dangerous. But after the break, the advantage of the red-whites became tangible. It was a natural result, a well-deserved victory, and I congratulate the entire coaching staff and the players on that. A lot of work has been done. And, of course, we have to admire our fans. Just the best! And so do the people from St. Petersburg, with whom I am friends. In their opinion, this kind of atmosphere in the stands is about 20-25 percent of the team's final success. Among other things, due to the amazing support, Stankovich's wards pull out the most difficult games.

— What is the main reason for the success of the red and white? How did Spartak surpass the current national champion?

— Spartak acted very closely with the opponent in positional defense and very quickly ran out into their counter-attacks. This was especially noticeable after the break. The advantage of the red and white is that the line of attack is made up of small, nimble performers. Marquinhos, Barco, Ugalde, Bongonda. Umyarov certainly played a strong match. I took away a lot, gave a lot in advance. Yes, I can now speak about all the Spartak players in a complimentary tone. What was the same Barko doing on the field! It is significant how Stankovich hugged him and picked him up after the substitution. That says it all. And how much has Marquinhos done?! Ryabchuk ran into every attack and managed to return.

— Martins scored a double.

— The hero. He was everywhere. I have already mentioned that he is one of the best players in RPL — box-to-box. And he not only reaches the opponent's penalty area, but also runs into it! This is a huge plus in his game. Therefore, when there were rumors that Spartak could sell the midfielder, I will not hide that I was upset. For me, Martins is really one of the strongest defenders in our league, who, in addition to destroying, is also focused on goals. As a result, he scored the winning goal. Yes, it seemed to someone that it was offside. But, thank God, the goal was counted. Everything was decided literally in millimeters.

It was a reward for the great work of the whole team, for coming together at a crucial moment. This is the kind of game Spartak is currently the number one contender for the championship. Now the main thing is not to stumble in the matches with the teams that are below. Let's see if Stankovich's team is ready to act as intensively and consistently over a long distance and win the class.

— What did you think about when Luis Enrique equalized the score?

— The first thought was as follows: Why is that? The team played great, led, dictated their terms. And I missed it... But here we must pay tribute to the Brazilian. The master has struck. The only thing is that Ryabchuk had to initially stand at Luis Enrique's left foot, blocking this space for him so that he would not throw the ball. Zenit's newcomer reminded me of Malcom. The same, as they say, "stick". Everything is on the left. Kick—goal, kick—goal. Such masters are in the price. That's why they paid a lot of money for Enrique.

— Did the match show that Zenit, with and without Wendel, are two different teams?

— I agree. But Claudinho is no longer at Zenit. When Wendell, Claudinho and Barrios were at their best, they were the strongest trio in the RPL midfield. Without them, it's a different picture. Therefore, before the game, I estimated Spartak's chances of success as 51 to 49 percent. Muscovites gained a slight advantage due to personnel changes in the composition of the blue-white-blues. And, as noted above, in no case should we discount the factor of the Spartak stadium stands. Just the best fans!

— Did Glushenkov disappear into the field?

— This is primarily the merit of the owners. A very tight game from the red and white side. And if you fall under such an Umyarov, it won't seem enough. It is already clear to everyone how effective Nail is in the selection process. For example, it is clear to me why Umyarov comes out at the start, and not, say, Prutsev.

But here you need to warn the team. The next match, against Akhmat, is the most dangerous. Sometimes, after such bright victories, you misfire. I've had similar cases in my career. After a successful Champions League game, we returned home exhausted, and we were beaten by outsiders. I am sure that the coaching staff and the players themselves understand the full measure of responsibility.

— Whose progress did Spartak players make under Stankovich impress you?

— I'll name Umyarov. I'm sure the coaches did a very good job with him, both tactically and mentally. Physically, he has always been strong, but he has definitely improved in other important components. The guy started playing the kind of football that is welcome at Spartak. He takes the ball in half turn so that he can immediately play the attack. And right now he has 8 out of 10 passes — forward, to the players who are with the ball on "you". Barko, who probably played his best match for Spartak against Zenit. The Master!

— Many people criticized Marquinhos when he first appeared at Spartak. And now the Brazilian is creating problems for any opponent on his flank.

— No one canceled the adaptation. The Russian championship is very difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to give a foreigner a certain amount of time. Well, it is worth mentioning one more merit of Stankovich. Stability of the composition. There is no shying away, Deyan has decided on the clip. After all, it seemed that after Denisov's mistake in the match with Rubin, he would be replaced. And Stankovich showed that he still believes in the defender. And the guy came out against Zenit, plowed away, worked hard. That's what coaching trust means.

Marquinhos was given time and was supported. And here's the result. The player, as they say, does good.