Sadulaev makes troubles for Zenit, helps Akhmat to steal point

RPL Matchday 4
Akhmat Grozny 0-0 Zenit St. Petersburg
Saturday 6 August, Akhmat Arena, Grozny

Sent off: Zenit - Daniil Odoevsky (41)
Man of the Match: Lechi Sadulaev (Akhmat)

Second trip for champions this season ended with another points drop, as Zenit tied with Akhmat in Grozny. Zenit could not capitalize much attempts in the first half, and when Andrey Mostovoy finally sent the ball past Giorgi Shelia, the goal was called off due to offside.

The biggest impact came from Lechi Sadulaev, who earned yellow cards for Aleksey Sutormin and Dejan Lovren. Later he caused a red card for Daniil Odoevsky, as young Zenit keeper tackled Sadulaev outside the box. It forced first match of the season for Mikhail Kerzhakov, who replaced Mostovoy. Curiously, Sadulaev was substituted after the first half, because he caught a yellow card for himself.

Gamid Agalarov replaced Sadulaev for the second half and missed his huge attempt, as he missed the ball, staying in front of the net. But ten-man visitors could escape with victory, if Malcom’s header reached the goal in the final minutes. So Akhmat and Zenit made first goalless draw in current RPL season.

Zenit are third on eight points, while Akhmat go eighth with five points.

Next RPL fixtures: Saturday 13 August - Zenit vs CSKA; Sunday 14 August - Khimki vs Akhmat