Russian clasico between Zenit and CSKA Moscow was a last chance for St. Petersburg to climb up the top and stay in the Russian league title race, while closing the gap with Rostov.
• Villas Boas’ team showed their teeth early when Artem Dzyuba lost a huge chance from a close range to produce the opener after 15′ minutes of game play.
• Almost ten minutes later Petrovsky got up from their seats to celebrate Danny’s goal only to see it ruled -rightfully so- offside.
• Witsel and Hulk’s shots did not get past Akinfeev and the goalless draw was kept to half time.
• Eight minutes into the second half and Hulk pulled one of his usual left-one shots to beat the Russian International and put Zenit up front, 1-0 (53′).
• CSKA wanted to get the equalizer but Villas Boas blocked all attacking weapons of the capital’s team with Lodygin enjoying a quiet evening.
• Hulk had more left in the tank for tonight and with his foul-kick shot being deflected, Akinfeev saw the ball resting on the right side while falling to the left, 2-0 (79′).
• Zenit kept the clean sheet to the end, celebrating a huge victory that sees them only four points behind Rostov, eight match days before the finale.
