This game was strategically important for Zenit – and they won. Now the gap from the nearest pursuer is 6 points. At the same time, the team of Sergei Semak rehabilitated after the defeat in the Russian Cup from Spartak.

Zenit had the advantage throughout the match. Yes, Rostov managed to equalize, but then the Petersburgers confidently put the squeeze on the opponent. The Brazilians were on the ball again, Ivan Sergeev and Daler Kuzyaev were also noted for productive actions. Another confirmation of how much the Blue-White-Blues are cooler than the rest of the Premier League teams.

“Rostov” did not have enough strength and freshness. They tried to control the ball and get out of the defense through draws. However, all these combinations were mostly held by the team only in their own half of the field. Then Zenit covered the guests with pressure – and that’s how the first goal was scored. But Karpin did not fundamentally abandon his tactics, and the players continued to stick to their line.

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Perhaps it was worth simplifying the game and going on the attack with the help of long throws, as in the episode with Komlichenko going one on one. But, apparently, Karpin considered that this way his team would allow many losses. The problem is that in the end, Rostov failed to get any control or exits. It could not be otherwise: not a single RPL team can keep the ball under pressure from Zenit. This season, except that in the cup meeting with Spartak, the Petersburgers did not have an advantage in the middle line.