FC Rostov 2-4 Zenit
Sunday 1 August, Rostov Arena

Goals: Rostov - Komlichenko (pen) 45+2’, Osipenko 85’; Zenit - Erokhin 29’, 90+5’ Azmoun (pen) 35’, Wendel 75’
Man of the Match: Aleksandr Erokhin (Zenit)

Champions Zenit continued their bid to retain the title with a comfortable victory over Valery Karpin’s Rostov. The ever-reliable Sardar Azmoun and Aleksandr Erokhin were at the centre of the action again, scoring twice in the first half. A penalty late in the first half gave Rostov a lifeline, but a rocket from Wendel 15 minutes restored Zenit’s two goal advantage. A late strike from defender Maksim Osipenko made things interesting again, but was ultimately pointless as Erokhin scored late on to round off a man of the match performance. 

Zenit sit joint-top with two wins under their belt, whereas Rostov have now lost both of their opening games.

Next RPL fixtures: Saturday 7 August - Zenit vs Krasnodar; Sunday August 8 - Khimki vs Rostov