St. Petersburg’s Zenit and Belgrade’s Crvena Zvezda deepen ties with a planned friendly
St. Petersburg club Zenit announced an upcoming friendly with the Serbian powerhouse Crvena Zvezda. The match was framed as a meaningful step in a long‑standing relationship between the two clubs, reflecting a partnership built on years of collaboration and mutual respect.
Both clubs share a history of friendship, and the game was described as a milestone within a broader cooperation plan that the sides approved in 2022. That plan centers on joint initiatives designed to strengthen ties through shared values, football development, and cultural exchange across borders.
As part of the shared program, Zenit and Crvena Zvezda continue to pursue a dual academy exchange that involves players and coaches. The initiative connects the Gazprom Academy in St. Petersburg with the Belgrade training system, with the clubs organizing academy tournaments to provide real-world development opportunities for rising talents on both sides of Europe.
The kickoff was scheduled for March 23, 2024, with the venue at Rajko Mitić stadium in Belgrade. The match would begin at 21:00 Moscow time, giving fans in multiple time zones a chance to follow a contest that blends competitive spirit with a shared commitment to football education and development.
Since spring 2022, Russian clubs have faced a halt in European Cup matches due to suspensions affecting the competition landscape. This context did not deter Zenit and Crvena Zvezda from continuing their bilateral programs. Instead, it reaffirmed their focus on strengthening domestic football, youth development, and regional cooperation that transcends on‑field obstacles.
In the latest domestic competition picture, Krasnodar led the table with 38 points as they entered the winter break after 18 rounds in the Russian Premier League. In the 18th round, Vladimir Ivich’s squad edged CSKA 1‑0. Zenit stood close behind, trailing by a couple of points, with Dinamo occupying the third spot with 32 points. The standings highlight a competitive environment in which Zenit remains focused on ongoing development, strategic planning, and performance improvement across all squads.
Earlier reporting noted Spartak Moscow’s revival of its second team, signaling a broader trend of clubs investing in depth and resilience below the first team. This broader movement aligns with the joint academy initiatives between Zenit and Crvena Zvezda, illustrating a shared belief in long‑term talent cultivation and strong cross‑border partnerships that support both clubs and their communities. Attribution: Club communications and league updates