Alexander Gallyamov, a well-known figure skater, shared his take on the upcoming Russian Championship clash between Zenit and Lokomotiv. He spoke with Match TV, outlining what he expects from the game and how he sees the stakes for key players on both sides.
Gallyamov emphasized that the match holds special significance for Artem Dzyuba, who will be lining up against his former teammates. He believes Dzyuba will approach the duel with determined energy, aiming to demonstrate his value and make a statement on his return to St. Petersburg football. The defender in Gallyamov’s view is clear: Zenit appears to be the more convincing side at this stage, with a cohesion that fans have come to associate with the club’s attacking ideals and compact defensive structure. The skater’s hope is simple yet powerful: a victory for the home team, the storied Zenit squad, in front of their supporters.
Scheduling details show Zenit hosting Lokomotiv on September 24, as part of the ninth round of the Russian Premier League. The kickoff is set for 16:30 Moscow time, lining up a late-afternoon clash that could shape the momentum of the mid-season run for both teams. The venue, the atmosphere, and the tactical matchup will all play crucial roles as the season unfolds.
Artem Dzyuba’s journey has been marked by a long association with Zenit, where he donned the blue-white-and-sky jersey and helped secure multiple Russian league titles and cup triumphs. His transfer to Turkey occurred in the summer of 2022, when he joined Adana Demirspor. The subsequent period saw Dzyuba move to Lokomotiv, where his contract was extended under a 1+1 arrangement, reflecting mutual interest and the club’s confidence in his continued contribution to the squad.
In the current season, Dzyuba has appeared in six league games and one cup tie, contributing two goals and two assists. Those numbers underscore his ongoing influence in attack and his ability to affect games in key moments. The narrative around his return to prominence features both the personal stakes of facing former teammates and the broader context of his own career arc as he adapts to a new team environment while maintaining his high standards of performance.
The question of how Zenit will line up against Lokomotiv will be central to pre-match discussions. Analysts will be watching how the club balances the dynamic forward line with a solid defensive base, and how Lokomotiv counterattacks while trying to disrupt Zenit’s rhythm. The tactical chess match promises to be engaging, as each side tests the other’s weaknesses and strengths under the pressure of a league battle with playoff-tinged implications.
Historical context adds depth to the spectacle. Dzyuba’s era at Zenit will be recalled by fans who followed the club through domestic triumphs and cup runs. That history matters not only to the player and his former teammates but also to the supporters who remember the moments that helped define Zenit’s modern era. Now, split loyalties form a backdrop to a high-stakes match that could influence top-table positioning and confidence levels for the teams involved. (Source: Match TV)