Zenit’s head coach Sergei Semak spoke after the Russian Cup RPL Path semi-final stalemate with Moscow Spartak, a clash that finished 0-0 in St. Petersburg. The coach noted that Spartak did not surprise anyone with their performance, complimenting the visitors for a disciplined display in both defensive phases and their attacking movements. He acknowledged that the scoring touch eluded his side on the day and pointed out that there were ample chances to secure a victory, reflecting on the quality and quantity of their positions. The match, tense and tightly contested, saw Zenit press with sustained intent but span a day of fine margins rather than decisive errors from either team.
In the capstone of the RPL Path, Zenit advanced to the final by overtly leveraging the result from the first leg, where they had edged Spartak with a 2-1 victory. The aggregate success paved the way for Zenit to meet CSKA Moscow in the Russian Cup final of the Road competition, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown between two Moscow heavyweights in a national cup format that often carries significant prestige and momentum into the domestic calendar.
Meanwhile, Spartak remains with a pathway open to the Cup Super Final through the Regions Route, presenting a different route to potential glory in the same competition structure. As the title holders, CSKA previously claimed the trophy in a dramatic finale decided by penalties against Krasnodar, while Spartak secured cup honors in the 2021/22 season, a period in which they established themselves as a formidable force in Russian football and a persistent threat to rival clubs during knockout formats. The memory of those successes underscores the competitive confidence visible in the current campaign’s Cup narrative.
In historical context, the club has navigated debates about leadership and direction, including discussions around appointment choices for the coaching staff, which have periodically involved notable names connected to Spartak. The present season adds another chapter to a long-running conversation about how best to balance the squad’s strengths with fresh strategic ideas as the team continues its quest for domestic silverware and continued relevance in Russia’s top flight.