Mantuan sparks in his Zenit debut to jump over CSKA

RPL Matchday 5
Zenit St. Petersburg 2-1 CSKA Moscow
Saturday 13 August, Gazprom Arena, St. Petersburg

Goals: Zenit – Malcom (45+2), Mantuan (85); CSKA – Chalov (pen 63)
Man of the Match: Malcom (Zenit)

The RPL leadership in the standings went to Zenit after the champions defeated CSKA, who kept the first place after four matchdays. The first half could be named after Igor Akinfeev, the Armymen captain made six saves, including free-kick by Malcom. But next time the Brazilian tried to score, the ball found the net, and it gave the lead to Zenit just moments before half-time.

CSKA activity increased after Jorge Carrascal entered the field from the bench. In the middle of the second half Fedor Chalov was tackled by Rodrigao in the box, striker himself took the penalty and scored continuing his goal streak (three in a row). Gustavo Mantuan made his debut in the RPL after recovering from the injury, and just seven minutes since the substitution his long shot reached the target earning his first Zenit goal and team home win.

Zenit take the first place on 11 points, while CSKA drop to third with 10 points. Spartak, tied with the Armymen on points, will host Sochi on Sunday.

Next RPL fixtures: Sunday 21 August – CSKA vs Akhmat, Zenit vs Torpedo