The veteran voices from CSKA Moscow weighed in after a tense clash with Zenit, accusing the Saint Petersburg club of dragging out the Russian Super Cup’s closing drama. Vladimir Ponomarev, a longstanding figure at CSKA, criticized Zenit for playing for a draw and sending the game toward penalties, arguing that Zenit did not unleash the necessary attacking energy throughout the match. He noted that CSKA remained disciplined, pressing high, creating chances, and limiting Zenit’s build-up. The former defender said CSKA stayed compact, controlled the tempo, and did not allow the ball to drift into a dangerous zone for a prolonged stretch. His assessment emphasized CSKA’s steadiness and execution in both defense and transition play, contrasting it with Zenit’s approach in the second half.
On July 15, Zenit edged CSKA 5–4 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in the Russian Super Cup final. The shootout converted what was a tightly contested match into a dramatic finish, giving Zenit their latest triumph in a trophy that has become a familiar prop in their cabinet. With this win, Zenit increased their total Russian Super Cup victories, while CSKA maintained a high count of past successes in the competition. In the league’s broader context, Zenit had clinched the Russian championship in the prior season, and CSKA had captured the national cup, setting the stage for a forthcoming rematch when the teams face off again in Moscow on September 3.
Former players and analysts have weighed in on the tactical balance of the game, with some highlighting Zenit’s willingness to invite pressure and gamble on the counter, while others praised CSKA’s resilience and discipline under pressure. The match underscored the edge that a well-drilled squad can gain in a cup final, where margins are slim and every set piece can decide the result. The September encounter in Moscow is expected to add another chapter to a storied rivalry, as both sides look to translate domestic silverware into momentum for the next stretch of the season.
Additional commentary from former players pointed to strategic gaps that Zenit could address, especially in how they close out matches when the minutes start to wind down. Coaches and pundits alike noted that the afternoon’s tempo favored teams that could sustain a structured press and maintain high collective energy. The outcome left Zenit with another trophy in their ledger and reinforced CSKA’s claim to consistency in domestic finals, a narrative that should resonate with supporters across Canada and the United States following the action through international broadcasts and highlights. [DEA News]