CSKA’S unexpected loss earlier to Kryslia gave another motive to title racers, with Zenit being one of them, hosting Ural for the 16th day of the Russian League at Petrovsky stadium.
With Hulk benched, Zenit had trouble reaching Zhevnov’s posts but were fortunate to gain the lead at their first serious opportunity. Danny won the foul kick outside of Ural’s box and Ezequiel Garay pulled a beautiful “Hulk” (or a compatriot Messi) and brilliantly curved it to rest at the left side of Zhevnov’s net at the 11′ minute.
Danny was the most dangerous player for Ural’s defence who kept the one goal difference thanks to their keeper who twice denied the Portuguese and teams were lead to half time.
Villas Boas watched his team trying to score another one to secure a win but had trouble in final attempt. That was until Hulk came in. The Brazilian with another assist, found Dzyuba and the Russian’s header doubled Zenit’s goals at the 75′ minute.
Garcia’s header put the cherry on top of a harder-than-it-looks evening for St. Petersburg who are now closer to CSKA, closing down the gap to 7 points with Rostov and Lokomotiv sitting on second and third place respectively.
