Krasnodar’s excellent season so far in the Russian League (3rd place) foreshadowed a tough game for Zenit in snowy St. Petersburg on what was the last matchday in the championship ahead of the winter break.
Τeams entered a race of unluckiness as after 45 minutes Krasnodar was down 1-0 having lost two players to injuries (goalkeeper Dykan and center back Martynovich). Zenit on the other hand saw three of their efforts being stopped by Sinitsyn’s woodwork but with Garay knocking in one of them -from the rebound of Hulk’s setpiece- to open the score for the Blue White Sky blues.
Lodygin’s reflexes were tested only a couple of minutes before the whistle as he stopped Ari, with the Brazilian missing again seconds later, his shot scratching Yuri’s left post; Zenit going to half time with the 1-0 lead.
Fans unwrapped their early Christmas present from Zenit at Petrovsky stadium, who turned the second half into a one-team show. Axel Witsel scored for a second consecutive game in three days and with Danny firing a cannon seconds later, Villas Boas’ team killed all hopes Krasnodar had for something positive.
Smolnikov added the cherry on top (4-0, 67′) as Krasnodar had thrown a white towel and Zenit finished 2014 with a clear message to title rivals, as they now prepare for their last Champions League group game in Monaco, on Tuesday 9th December.
