Draw with Zenit

Zenit and Lokomotiv come level in the new season's curtain-raiser.

Season 2016/17 of the Russian Premier League was to kick off in Saint Petersburg. Our previous encounter at Petrovsky last season turned into a heated and controversial match, and one could anticipate another clash of the arch-rivals.

However, Zenit’s early onslaught lasted not more than 30 seconds. After the outburst, the home side just kept the ball in possession idly probing Lokomotiv defence. The Railwaymen dealt with the foe’s efforts, in their turn, and ran to counters. All in all, the first 45 minutes boiled down to one-and-a-half chance: there was Shatov missing the target off a cross taken by Kerzhakov and two counter-moves by Lokomotiv ending short of the danger zone.

The second half saw the same slow game. Again Zenit tried to attack from every angle while the Railwaymen put up a wonderful defensive. The second half’s only chance for the hosts came following a delivery from the wing. But Zhirkov’s header was saved by Guilherme.

Closer to the final whistle, Zenit fell on our goal with a few poorly aimed crosses into the box. That was it. The new title rave opens with a goalless draw.

ROSGOSSTRAKH Russian Championship. Gamweek 1

Zenit - Lokomotiv - 0:0

Zenit: Lodygin, Criscito, Neto, Garay, Smolnikov, Mauricio (Dordevic, 79), Yusupov (Witsel, 59), Javi Garcia, Shatov, А.Kerzhakov (Zhirkov, 63), Kоkorin
Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Denisov, Shishkin, Corluka (Mykhalyk, 85), Pejcinovic, Samedov, Tarasov, Ignatiev (Kasaev, 85), Miranchuk, Ndinga, Skuletic (Kolomeytsev, 66)
Bookings: Skuletic, 36. Ndinga, 51. Neto, 80. Тarasov, 84
Referee: Aleksandr Egorov (Saranks)
30 July. Saint Petersburg, Petrovsky Stadium.