Zenit head coach Sergei Semak discussed the incident involving Zenit forward Artem Dzyuba, who did not shake hands after a recent clash. Semak spoke about the moment, speaking in a calm, measured tone and focusing on the bigger picture of the team and the championship race.
According to Semak, there was no visible sign of tension during the exchange. He suggested that fatigue could be a factor for any player and emphasized that he bears no grievance toward Dzyuba. Semak added that the personal dynamics between players are not something he can fully judge, and he invited questions about the situation to be directed to the players themselves. He noted that tiredness is a natural part of a demanding season, and his gratitude extended to every member of the squad. He expressed his happiness for all teammates who contribute to the club on a daily basis.
The topic then shifted to the on-field actions of the match, which took place at the RZD Arena in Moscow. Zenit entered the game with a determined mindset and ultimately secured a 2-1 victory for the guests. The scoring sequence began in the 26th minute when Lokomotiv midfielder Maxim Glushenkov found the net to give his team an early lead. Zenit responded with a leveling goal just before halftime, as Brazilian attacker Wendel equalized in the 40th minute. The deciding moment arrived in the 77th minute when Meteo Cassierra, the Zenit striker from Saint Petersburg, pushed his team ahead with a sharp finish.
With this result, Zenit extended its advantage at the top of the Russian Championship standings, reaching 54 points. Lokomotiv remained in a challenging position, sitting in 11th place with 25 points. Opinions from observers varied after the match, with some noting a tension in the dugout that could reflect broader team dynamics, while others stressed the need to focus on the next fixtures and the ongoing title race. A former Lokomotiv player, Dmitry Bulykin, offered his take on the handshake moment, noting there appeared to be strained relations between Dzyuba and Semak, which may have influenced the post-match posture away from the coach. The overall takeaway stayed consistent: the championship chase continues, and the club will aim to maintain momentum in forthcoming matches.