Valery Masalitein, a former CSKA Moscow midfielder, watched the St. Petersburg edition of the Winter Cup with a close eye on how the teams approached the clash against Zenit. He described a scene where both sides fought as a unit, players covering ground with purpose and leaving little space for easy completions. The veteran noted that the match carried the weight of a busy schedule, yet the two teams showed a rare willingness to press together and defend as a compact block. The sense on the field was that the encounter carried more than a routine test for fitness; it was a competitive audition for form, selection, and momentum in a winter program that demands consistency. Observers who follow the domestic game reported a display of grit and tactical intent, with the tempo sometimes rising to a level that reflected a cup tie rather than a friendly. The overall mood suggested both squads valued the result, while also using the game to experiment with personnel and shape ahead of more demanding fixtures. In summary, the St. Petersburg match offered a powerful snapshot of two big clubs wrestling for identity amid a tough stretch of the season.
Fatigue was evident as the match unfolded, and managers leaned into rotation to keep legs fresh. CSKA has been through a rebuilding phase, trying to balance veteran presence with younger energy, which meant a few unfamiliar combinations in the opening stages. In the second half the pace picked up as substitutes entered the fray, injecting pace and sharper running onto the flanks. The ball began to move more quickly toward the forward line, and the defenders had to chase longer shadows as pressing lines compressed. Although the initial period felt tense, the substitution shuffles contributed to an increasingly fluid rhythm, with build ups that suggested creativity was not far behind. The coaching staff tweaked shapes, tested midblock press, and looked for moments when individual runs could unlock the defense. Fans of both clubs could feel the shift as the game moved from cautious opening exchanges to a more expansive, end to end contest, where one decisive moment could tilt the balance in a crucial cup tie.
The regulation period finished with the score level at 2-2. Zenit struck first when Douglas Dos Santos found space and finished confidently in the 49th minute. Eight minutes later Matvey Kislyak equalized, finishing a sharp sequence of passing with a composed finish. In the 88th minute Artem Shumansky put CSKA ahead, racing through midfield to fire a precise shot past the goalkeeper. Then in stoppage time the arena held its breath as Alexander lashed in a second equalizer, sending the match into a tense finish. The contest proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Zenit converted more of their kicks and clinched the victory 4-1 from the spot. The late stage drama underscored why cup ties in winter can deliver high-stakes moments and thrilling finishes, even when teams rotate and pace dips at times.
From a group perspective, CSKA finished the group stage with four points in Group B, while Zenit stood on two. Rostov remained without a tally at that stage, adding pressure to their upcoming fixtures. The schedule ahead pitted Rostov against Zenit Rostov, a match that would influence who advances and how the group narrative unfolds. CSKA concluded its participation in the group phase with a sense of progress, knowing that every point in this region matters as the tournament moves toward knockout rounds. The overall complexion of Group B remained tight, with the chain of results proving that depth and resilience would determine who advances and who heads home early in the winter program.
The game drew significant attention from fans and pundits alike, with rapid reactions rolling across sports portals and social platforms. Analysts highlighted the depth of competition in Russia’s top clubs and noted how rotation can still produce meaningful results in winter fixtures. The clash served as a reminder that winter cup games are not mere placeholders but tests of stamina, discipline, and strategic intent. Beyond the scoreboard, communities discussed player development, system changes, and the ongoing rivalry that fuels the league’s biggest clubs during the cold months.