Zenit’s preparations for the new Russian Premier League season have drawn attention as the club kicked things off with a confident display in their opening game. The evaluation comes from a prominent football analyst who highlighted how Petersburg’s side looked settled, especially in the first half, and maintained a strong tempo despite several lineup changes. The observer noted that the team moved well and showed clear understanding on the field, adding that Zenit controlled the pace of the match to match the demands of their opponents.
The praise continued for the squad’s professional approach. The analyst commented that the break helped players regain form quickly, and that the players approached their roles with serious intent, a sign that the squad is ready to hit the ground running once the campaign starts. The observations suggest Zenit carried over a high level of fitness and tactical cohesion from their pre-season work, allowing them to execute game plans smoothly even when personnel shifted.
Looking ahead, Zenit is scheduled to participate in the PARI Premier Cup in St. Petersburg on July 1, a tournament that brings together top clubs for a run of warm-up fixtures. In their opener, Zenit faced Azerbaijani side Neftchi and emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline. The scorers for the home team were Gustavo Mantua, Claudinho, and Zelimkhan Bakaev, each contributing to a productive showing that reinforced the team’s attacking options and collective rhythm.
Following that performance, Zenit is set to take on Red Star on July 4 as part of the same event. The kickoff is scheduled for 19:30 Moscow time, offering another chance to test rotations and prove the depth of the squad under match conditions before the league campaign resumes.
In the previous season, Zenit secured the Russian championship title for the fourth consecutive time, underscoring the club’s continued domestic dominance. The new season is slated to begin on July 15 with a high-profile clash against CSKA in the Russian Super Cup, a fixture that often sets the tone for the months ahead and provides an early indicator of how the teams stack up in the immediate future.
Earlier reports noted a development around Neftchi’s goalkeeper, who required hospital care after their match against Zenit, an incident that underscored the intense competition level in early fixtures and the physical demands placed on clubs and players in the buildup to the season.