Russian league continued this weekend after the International break with Spartak hardly overcoming Amkar’s threat to stay first, as Zenit’s win over Krylia was a one-way road to keep up with Moscow team. Lucescu’s task on picking the starting eleven was hard, dealing with the absences of Criscito, Neto, Zhirkov and Axel Witsel (cards).
Pasquato froze Petrovsky stadium very early on (3′) after an out-of-nowhere attack but Dzyuba heated things up after netting in Mac’s beautiful cross and levelling things after ten minutes of game play.
Lodygin flew on his right upper corner showing his reflex skills to keep things tied but Mac and Dzyuba went at it once again combining beautifully but goal was counted as an own goal from former Zenit player Rodic. Zenit leading 2-1 to half time.
Krylia had a lot of space reaching Yuri’s posts but the Russian was on a great day keeping Zenit up front with his exceptional saves. Dzyuba added his second (third-ish) minutes before the final whistle from the spot (converting the penalty he won) and allowed St. Petersburg to stay on second place, three points clear from Spartak.
Europa League returns this week with Maccabi Tel Aviv visiting Petrovsky stadium for the fifth matchday of Group D (24/11). First game between the two in Israel found Zenit producing a 4-goal comeback.
