CSKA claimed a 3-1 victory over Makhachkala at Anzhi Arena on 17 September 2026 in the Premier League's ninth round. The visitors took control after a shaky start and held their nerve through a flurry of second-half action. The result moves CSKA further clear in fifth place while Makhachkala remain rooted to seventh.
Makhachkala handed CSKA an early advantage with a 13th-minute own goal from defender Makhmud Makhamadzhonov. Gamid Agalarov then levelled matters at the 20-minute mark, a goal that briefly restored belief before the hosts switched off at the back in the closing stages of the half. Four yellow cards arrived at the break, including two for CSKA and two for Makhachkala, as tensions edged upward.
CSKA seized the initiative after the interval. Luciano Gondou broke the deadlock at 69 minutes before Imran Firov sealed the win three minutes later. A cancelled VAR goal for Agalarov at 50 minutes had briefly threatened to alter the narrative, but the decision was overturned and the visitors' lead held firm.
The statistics tell a story of missed opportunities for the home side. Makhachkala registered 2 shots on target and 5 off target for 1.26 expected goals, yet could only find the net once. CSKA were more clinical with 5 shots on target and a similar xG figure of 1.27, converting their chances with greater precision.
Both teams shared aerial dominance with 19 duels each, but CSKA's 52 per cent possession and higher shot accuracy gave them the edge. Makhachkala's 310 successful passes compared with CSKA's 334, while the visitors completed 35 long passes against 15 for the hosts.
CSKA now sit 5th with 16 points from 8 games and remain unbeaten. Makhachkala's 12 points from 4 wins and 4 defeats leave them 4 points adrift of the hosts above them in the table. We had backed the visitors at 37 per cent confidence — the prediction held true, and CSKA's away form continues to suggest they cannot afford another slip.
