Former Russian national team coach Igor Korneev weighed in on the factors behind Akron Togliatti’s 1:1 draw with Zenit St. Petersburg in the third round of the Russian Cup RPL Road group stage, noting how the results reflect the club’s approach and potential. His assessment, quoted to Match TV, offers a concise guide to what the team did well and where it still has room to grow.
Korneev described Akron as an ambitious squad, a trait that he believes mirrors the coaching staff’s philosophy. He stressed that the squad remains young and in need of reinforcements, yet he did not diminish the team’s strengths. According to him, Akron fought hard on the field and gave its best effort throughout the match, which ultimately kept the result in balance and forced a tense shootout that favored the home side in the end.
The contest unfolded at Samara Arena, finishing 1:1 in regular time before Akron prevailed in the penalty kick phase. Zenit opened the scoring late in the first half, with 20-year-old defender Dmitry Vasilyev finding the net just before the halftime whistle. Akron answered in the second half as forward Ivan Timoshenko converted from the spot in the 54th minute, leveling the match and setting the stage for penalties.
During the shootout, Akron’s discipline paid off as Zenit’s Arthur, the Brazilian forward, failed to convert his attempt, tipping the advantage to the hosts. This decisive moment underscored Akron’s mental resilience as the shootout progressed, granting them a spot in the next round and reinforcing the impression that the team can compete with top-tier opponents on a neutral field or in front of a home crowd.
In the broader group standings, Zenit retains leadership in Group D with seven points after three matches, while Akron sits in second place with five points. The schedule also featured Fakel Voronezh and Rubin Kazan competing on the same day, with Kazan securing a 2:0 victory, a result that further shapes the Group D landscape as the campaign advances.
Earlier remarks from Sergey Semak about a loss to Akron in the Russian Cup provided context for Zenit’s current form and its response to setbacks in cup competition. The recent results illustrate a dynamic phase for both clubs as they balance league duties with cup ambitions, and they hint at potential tactical shifts or personnel changes aimed at improving efficiency in front of goal and consistency in defense.
Looking ahead, Akron’s performance highlights how younger teams can challenge established powers by combining tenacity with smart decision making in key moments. For Zenit, the experience underscores the importance of converting opportunities and maintaining composure in high-stakes situations. The Cup’s road to the later rounds often rewards teams that manage pressure well and sustain competitive intensity across different venues and schedules.