Wendel strikes twice to earn victory at CSKA

CSKA Moscow 2-3 Zenit St. Petersburg
Wednesday 17 March, VEB Arena

Goals: CSKA - Rondon (29), Vlasic (pen, 90+1); Zenit - Dzyuba (33), Wendel (50, 77)

Sent off: CSKA - Ilzat Akhmetov (53)

Man of the Match: Wendel (Zenit)

The reigning RPL champions increased their breakaway from CSKA to eight points after defeating the Armymen at VEB Arena. Former Zenit striker Salomon Rondon gave the hosts the lead, but before half-time Artem Dzyuba equalised with his 13th goal of the season. The top scorer could have scored again, but his penalty was saved by record holder Igor Akinfeev, who made his 16th spot-kick save in the RPL.

In the second half Wendel’s time came as he scored twice in 27 minutes and earned his first ever RPL goals. Having taken the lead on the score sheet, Zenit also found themselves with a one-man advantage, when Evgeny Kukulyak showed a red card to Ilzat Akhmetov after a VAR review. The final word was spoken by Nikola Vlasic, who scored a penalty in  added time.

CSKA stay third on 40 points, while Zenit remain top of the table on 48 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Sunday 4 April - FC Tambov vs CSKA Moscow; Monday 5 April - Zenit St. Petersburg vs FC Khimki