FC Spartak Moscow was created in 1922 and is one of the most prestigious clubs in Russia
FC Spartak Moscow, the next opponent for Villarreal in the UEFA Europa League, was formed in 1922 and is one of the most prestigious clubs in Russia. With a base in the capital, Moscow, it plays its home games in the Otkrytie Arena, which, for commercial reasons, becomes the Spartak Stadium in European competition.
The capital club, known as ‘The People’s Team’, was one of the most important sides of the former Soviet Union. During the 50s, it had a brilliant period, winning the domestic title on no less than five different occasions. However, the most successful period of Spartak Moscow came after the dissolution of the USSR and the creation of the current Russian Premier League. The were champions in nine of the first ten editions of this rejuvenated competition.
With 22 league titles to its name, Spartak Moscow can call itself the most honoured side in the country. Ten Soviet Cups and three Russian Cups also decorate the trophy room of a club that regular participates in continental competitions and that has nearly reached a European final on more than one occasion.
The official kit of FC Spartak Moscow is made up of a red shirt with a white horizontal stripe, accompanied by white shorts and red socks. Unlike their big rivals like CSKA Moscow (the team of the army), Dinamo Moscow (the team of a police), Torpedo Moscow (the team of the motoring industry), or Lokomotiv Moscow (the team of the railway industry), Spartak Moscow wasn’t formed by any organisation of the Soviet government, instead, being formed as part of the Spartak sporting society, named in honour of the slave and Roman gladiator Spartacus.
Positive outcomes in previous meetings with FC Spartak Moscow
Villarreal CF and FC Spartak Moscow are old friends. The Yellow Submarine faced the Moscow club in the third round of the Intertoto Cup in 2004. The two legs fell to Villarreal, who won the first match 1-0 thanks to a Sonny Anderson goal at El Madrigal, before a 2-2 draw on Russian soil. The goals from the Yellow Submarine in the away tie came from Anderson and Roger García.
Villarreal travel to Russia with the aim of getting their first ever victory on Russian soils. Until today, in their three matches in the Soviet country, they have managed a draw against FC Spartak Moscow (2-2) and two tight defeats against Torpedo Moscow (1-0) and Zenit St Petersburg (1-0).
‘Massimo’ commitment for a hard-working Spartak Moscow
Commitment and teamwork are not negotiable for Massimo Carrera, the Italian coach of FC Spartak Moscow. The former footballer and current ‘People’s Team’ boss started his career as part of Antonio Conte’s coaching staff at Juventus and the Italian national team.
From the Italian school of football, Carrera’s sides are characterised by physical dominance and direct play. FC Spartak Moscow have top players throughout the pitch. At the back, Salvatore Bocchetti and Georgi Dzhikya look to dominate, while in the middle of the pitch, versatile Brazilian midfielder Fernando shines. He has a great physical ability and a dangerous long shot. Up front, Luiz Adriano’s goalscoring nature is a threat, with the Brazilian lethal if given space, alongside the experienced Russian international Aleksandr Samedov.
Spartak Stadium, a first-class stage
Spartak Stadium, known as Otkrytie Arena in domestic competition, has hosted events at the top level, such as the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and the World Cup 2018. Opened in 2014 with a capacity for 50,000 spectators, this impressive coliseum belongs to FC Spartak Moscow, who until its construction didn’t have their own stadium, instead playing in different grounds across Moscow, such as the Lokomotiv Stadium or the Luzhniki Stadium, where Villarreal CF played last time they faced FC Spartak Moscow in 2004.
