Artem Bandikyan Played for the First Time in 2026 and Could Have Become the Hero of the Match Against Spartak

Artem Bandikyan, a defender for the Armenia national team and Moscow CSKA, made his first appearance on the pitch in 2026. He started in the final of the Regions Path of the FONBET Russian Cup against Moscow Spartak. The 20-year-old Armenian played as a right winger and spent 63 minutes on the field.

Shortly before being substituted, Bandikyan could have become the hero of the match and equalized the score. In the 57th minute, he failed to convert a one-on-one chance — his shot was affected by a deflection off a defender. Then, in the 62nd minute, he struck the post from a dangerous position.

After the match, Bandikyan’s performance was commented on by CSKA’s acting head coach Dmitry Igdisamov.

“There weren’t many alternatives, because there are minor ‘knocks’ that prevent us from strengthening the squad. Tyoma did well today, followed the instructions, and could have scored twice. I think he had a good match,” Igdisamov said on Match TV.

It should be noted that Dmitry Igdisamov had already worked with Bandikyan in CSKA’s youth team.

Spartak advanced to the Super Final of the FONBET Russian Cup. On Wednesday, May 6, the final match of the Regions Path of the 2025/26 FONBET Russian Cup season took place at Lukoil Arena in Moscow. Moscow Spartak hosted CSKA and won 1–0.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 10th minute by Ruslan Litvinov, who found the top corner with a long-range strike.

This victory sent Spartak into the Super Final of the FONBET Russian Cup, where the Red-and-Whites will face the winner of the RPL Path final.