RPL winter training camps: Zenit’s third victory at the Atlantic Cup, Dzhikia saves Spartak from defeat

On 11 February, three RPL teams played friendly matches in preparation for the spring part of the 2021/22 season.

Nizhny Novgorod 1-2 KAMAZ

In Turkey, Nizhny Novgorod met KAMAZ from the FNL-1 - and Zenit's opponent in the Russian Cup last 16. The team from Naberezhnye Chelny scored twice in the first half through Ruslan Ayukin and Acosta, before Nizhny Novgorod responded with a goal by Daniil Penchikov in the 52nd minute. The next match in Nizhny Novgorod’s training camp will be played on 13 February against Tobol, the current champions of Kazakhstan.

Spartak 1-1 Pyunik

The Red-Whites played the last game of their training camp in the UAE against the 14-time champions of Armenia. In the 36th minute, Spartak were left without Quincy Promes, who was sent off. Pyunik took the lead in the 66th minute, and in the 80th Georgi Dzhikia equalised from a free kick.

In their first official match in 2022, Paolo Vanoli's team will play at home against CSKA on 26 February on matchday 19 of the RPL.

Zenit 2-1 Brondby

Zenit won their third match out of three at the Atlantic Cup tournament in Portugal. After defeating Midtjylland (1-0) and Copenhagen (1-1 in regular time, 4-3 on penalties), the RPL leaders beat another Danish opponent in Brondby. Zenit went behind in the 53rd minute, and in the 77th and 79th minutes turned the game on its head through Nuraly Alip - the Kazakh defender’s second goal of the training camp - and Artem Dzyuba.

The Blue-White-Sky Blues have completed their winter training camps. On 17 February, Zenit will face Spanish side Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League playoff tie at the Gazprom Arena.

The schedule of training camps and friendly matches during the winter break is in the "Winter Camps" section

Photo: Zenit