Luciano Gondu Hat-Trick Powers CSKA into Russian Cup Final

CSKA Moscow secured a dominant berth in the FONBET Russian Cup Path of Regions final on Tuesday, dismantling Krylya Sovetov 5-2 in a clinical display of attacking football. The victory, achieved at the Solidarnost Samara Arena in Samara, was headlined by a masterclass from forward Luciano Gondu, who netted a hat-trick to dismantle the home side’s defense.

The match, played on April 7, 2026, served as the second leg of the Path of Regions semifinals. From the opening whistle, CSKA dictated the tempo, leaving Krylya Sovetov struggling to contain a rampant Gondu, who has quickly turn into the focal point of the Army Men’s offense since his winter transfer from Zenit St. Petersburg.

Gondu’s Masterclass and the Turning Point

Luciano Gondu set the tone early, finding the back of the net in just the 4th minute to give CSKA a 1-0 lead. He doubled the advantage in the 35th minute, leaving the Samara crowd silenced as the visitors exerted total control over the midfield.

The defining moment of the match arrived in the 51st minute. Gondu stepped up to take a penalty, but his initial effort was blocked by Krylya Sovetov goalkeeper Nikita Kokarev. Showing predatory instincts, Gondu reacted faster than the defenders, pouncing on the rebound to slot home his third goal of the night. This mark represented the Argentine’s first career hat-trick in Russian football, a significant milestone for the striker who had previously only recorded a double during his tenure with Zenit.

For those following the match via video highlights, the sequence underscored the difference in composure between the two sides. While Krylya Sovetov attempted to reorganize, CSKA utilized their numerical and tactical superiority to push the lead further.

A Second-Half Onslaught

Despite the 3-0 cushion, CSKA showed no signs of slowing down. The visitors extended their lead with a flurry of goals shortly after the hour mark:

• 55th minute: Ivan Oleynikov scored to make it 4-0.
• 64th minute: Ivan Oblyakov added a fifth.
• 67th minute: Matvey Kislyak capped off the rout, bringing the score to 5-1.

Krylya Sovetov managed a late consolation goal in the 84th minute through Ivan Lepsky, but the match had long since been decided. The 5-2 final score reflected a comprehensive victory for the defending champions, who demonstrated why they remain a powerhouse in the domestic cup competition.

Road to the Final

With this victory, CSKA advances to the Path of Regions final. The club enters the final match as the defending title holder, having won the previous tournament in a dramatic fashion against Rostov. That final ended 0-0 after regulation and extra time, with CSKA ultimately prevailing 4-3 in a penalty shootout.

The stakes remain high as the tournament reaches its climax. CSKA is scheduled to play for the title on April 8 in St. Petersburg. Their opponent will be the winner of the high-profile clash between Zenit and Spartak.

For Luciano Gondu, the timing of this form is ideal. Having already scored in the 23rd round of the Russian Championship against Akron, the forward is entering the final in peak physical and mental condition.

Match Summary: Krylya Sovetov vs. CSKA

The Path of Regions final is set for April 8 in St. Petersburg, with kickoff scheduled for 20:45 MSK. CSKA will look to retain their trophy and cement their dominance in the 2025-2026 season.

Do you think CSKA can defend their title against Zenit or Spartak? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.