Zenit’s Running Season and the PARI Cup Verdict
The celebrated football commentator Vasily Utkin shared his thoughts on Zenit Saint Petersburg after a tense performance in the PARI Premier Cup. The previous day in St. Petersburg saw Zenit held to a 0-0 draw by Fenerbahce, but the Russians prevailed in the ensuing penalty shootout.
Utkin remarked on the end of Zenit’s European campaign for the season, noting how the main 90 minutes produced a scoreless draw, while the decisive moments came from the spot where Zenit edged out Fenerbahce 4-3. Zelimkhan Bakaev supplied the crucial finish in the shootout, cementing Zenit’s trophy victory in a dramatic finale. (Source: Vasily Utkin commentary via the telegraph channel)
Looking back at the 2022/2023 Russian Premier League season, Zenit dominated the table, clinching the championship for the fifth straight year. They tallied 80 points, finishing comfortably ahead of CSKA Moscow, which secured second place, and Spartak Moscow, which claimed a top-three finish as well. The team from the Neva River region reinforced its status as Russia’s most dominant side, building on consistent domestic success and a strong European showing during the year.
As for the forthcoming campaign, Zenit is scheduled to begin the new season with a bold clash against CSKA Moscow for the Russian Super Cup. The match is set to take place in Kazan, signaling another high-stakes showdown between Russia’s two most storied clubs and a potential early indicator of form for the season ahead. (Event notice: Russian Super Cup in Kazan)
In Turkey, the 2022/23 Turkish Süper Lig finished with Fenerbahçe in second place, eight points behind Galatasaray which claimed the top spot. Beşiktaş finished third, while Adana Demirspor, the club that featured the Russian striker Artem Dzyuba through the end of 2022, ended in fourth. These outcomes illustrate the competitive balance across leagues and the cross-border movement of players who shape domestic campaigns in both countries. (Context: 2022/23 Turkish standings)
Former Spartak Moscow player Evgeniy Lovchev offered his thoughts on Fenerbahce’s victory over Zenit, providing a veteran’s perspective on the tactical battle and the psychological edge required to win big games in European competition. His comments added another layer of analysis to a season already rich in drama and expectation for both clubs and fans alike. (Attribution: Evgeniy Lovchev commentary)