Zenit previously won Dynamo and Lokomotiv but the third Moscow team, Spartak, proved tougher and ended St. Petersburg’s run of 9 wins in a row for the Russian Premier League.
Few chances were produced during the first half with Spartak being dangerous in the counter attack testing Lodygin’s awareness and Hulk unsuccessfully trying to find his way into Rebrov’s box.
Fayzoulin’s brilliant shot-goal during the second half was called off as an offside on Rondon, who was not being involved and actually avoiding the ball.
Axel Witsel, Mogilevets and Arshavin were all brought in during the last 15′ minutes to push Yakin’s team further into their box in chance of a goal, but Spartak survived, leaving Petrovsky stadium with the away point; Zenit lost their first 2 points of the season, but remain unbeaten and in first place of the table.
Champions League returns following week with AS Monaco visiting Russia for the 2nd game of Group C, on Wednesday October 1st.
