St. Petersburg Zenit coach Sergei Semak has questioned the current Russian Cup calendar and how it affects press services and team schedules. He pointed out inconsistencies in the timing of quarterfinals and subsequent matches, noting that a first leg in December followed by a game three months later disrupts preparation. Semak suggested that fixtures could be arranged on dates outside the Champions League cycle and advised adopting a less demanding rhythm, avoiding back-to-back days for critical matches.
In the concluding group-stage clash of the Russian Cup, Zenit topped Group C with a 1–0 victory over Krylya Sovetov Samara. The decisive moment arrived in the 60th minute when Zenit forward Ivan Sergeev appeared to have opened the scoring, but the goal was ruled off for an offensive handball. In a late twist, Sergeev found the net again in the 87th minute to seal the win for Zenit and set the final score in the group stage.
Zenit finished first in Group C with 14 points, earning a place in the tournament play-offs. Krylia Sovetov collected three points and ended their chances of advancing from the group. The outcome clarified the path for the remaining fixtures, confirming Zenit’s progression while Krylia Sovetov exited the group stage at an early point in the competition. The result followed a season where the strategic cadence of the Russian Cup schedule drew attention from several clubs and coaches, highlighting a broader discussion about how domestic cup formats align with league play and European competitions.
Analysts noted that Semak’s comments touched on the balancing act faced by Russian teams when cup runs intersect with domestic and European commitments. The coach emphasized that calendar structure should support competitive integrity and athlete welfare, urging organizers to consider more flexible scheduling to reduce strain on players and staff. The dialogue around calendar optimization has been part of ongoing conversations among clubs seeking clearer windows for recovery, training, and tactical preparation as the season unfolds. This match underlined Zenit’s capability to secure a crucial win while navigating the complexities of a congested calendar, illustrating the team’s readiness for the knockout phase ahead. Attribution: [Sports Desk]