Zenit head coach Sergei Semak outlined the reasoning behind fielding a lighter squad for the Russian Cup confrontation with Dynamo. He stressed that the decision was rooted in the evolving situation on the ground. While the league remains the priority, Semak noted that the team did not push to exhaust resources in the previous encounter, allowing players to recover. With the next league game just three days away, he argued that the quick turnaround was manageable and kept the squad sharp. In the group stage there had been tighter recovery windows, but now there is a chance to rotate into the main lineup, which is exactly what the coaching staff pursued as the cup tie approached.
On November 29, Dynamo edged Zenit 1-0 in the opening leg, as Smolov found the net in the 74th minute. Zenit had been reduced to ten men when Jorge Carrascal was sent off in the 69th minute. The rematch is scheduled for March 2024 in Saint Petersburg, continuing the two clubs’ cup duel on neutral terms and presenting Zenit with an opportunity to balance their schedule while attempting to overturn the deficit.
After the round of 16 in the Russian Premier League, Zenit topped the standings. Semak’s side cruised to a 3-0 victory over Sochi in their latest league outing. Krasnodar slipped to second after a surprising 1-3 home defeat to Ural. Dynamo, meanwhile, defeated CSKA 3-2 and climbed to third in the table. The season has featured a mix of strong results and contentious moments that have kept fans debating the squad’s depth and tactical flexibility. In a prior period, Zenit faced criticism over the perceived lack of a champion’s swagger, a critique that the team has sought to address through more consistent performances and disciplined rotation.”