RPL Matchday 1
FC Khimki 1-1 Zenit St. Petersburg
Friday 15 July, Arena Khimki

Goals: Khimki - Mirzov (85); Zenit - Wendel (17)
Man of the Match: Wendel (Zenit)

2022/23 season made its start in Khimki, where the city named team hosted reigning champions from Zenit. Rodrigao entered Zenit starting 11 for the first time, while Sergey Yuran put four newcomers in the roster, these are Aleksey Nikitin, Artur Cherny, Aleksandr Lomovitsky and Roman Mori Gbane, the last one was officially signed on the match day.

The first goal of the season came in 18 minutes after kick-off, when Wendel ran into the box and smashed into the top corner. But Khimki add more action, especially Aleksandr Rudenko worried Daniil Odoevsky twice and hit the post in the second half.

Aleksandr Zuev also made his debut for the Black-Reds, while Zelimkhan Bakaev and Mateo Cassierra entered the pitch to mark their first RPL appearances for Zenit. Next substitution brought the result for the hosts, as Reziuan Mirzov came into play in the last ten minutes, and he equalized five minutes. Yuran’s band was close to steal a win, but Zuev shot went wide in the injury time.

Next RPL fixtures: Friday 22 July - Zenit vs Krylia Sovetov; Sunday 24 July - Khimki vs Pari NN