Zenit-2 Coach Reflects on Russia Cup Group Stage Draw and Local Rivalries
Vladislav Radimov, who has both played for Zenit and coached the Zenit-2 side, shares his take on the Russia Cup group stage draw as reported by RBC Sports. The draw places Spartak Moscow and Zenit St. Petersburg in the same group for the RPL Path portion of this season’s cup, which means the clubs will face each other twice more in the early rounds. The specific match dates haven’t been finalized yet, and there is even a potential that the two could cross paths again in the tournament’s knockout phase. Also in the same group are Samara’s Wings of the Soviets and Voronezh’s Torch squad, setting up a busy schedule.
Radimov notes that a strong start for Zenit is paired with a favorable draw, describing the grouping as engaging and competitive. He adds that every match carries weight, and not every fixture will be easy, emphasizing the grind and intensity inherent in cup competition.
In the current Russian Premier League season, after five rounds Spartak Moscow holds first place with 13 points, while Zenit sits second with 11 points, illustrating a tight early table and the high stakes for both teams in their head-to-head clashes and cup campaigns.
Looking back to the 2022/23 season, Spartak Moscow and Zenit St. Petersburg met multiple times as part of the domestic calendar. The first encounter in that period took place during the Russian Cup, with Spartak landing the trophy, while Zenit clinched the Russian Premier League title for a fourth consecutive year. The domestic season also featured the country’s Super Cup, a match that ended decisively in favor of the St. Petersburg club with a 4-0 scoreline. RBC Sports notes that such results have underscored the fierce rivalry between these two storied clubs and set the stage for another memorable chapter in their ongoing duel.
The current draw amplifies anticipation among fans and analysts alike, as both sides prepare for a clash that could shape momentum in both the league and the cup. The combination of proven success in recent seasons and the pressure to perform on multiple fronts makes every upcoming encounter between Spartak and Zenit highly scrutinized by supporters and scouts.