Zenit win record eighth Super Cup, beat CSKA through penalties

2023 Russian Super Cup
Zenit St. Petersburg 0-0 (5-4 pen) CSKA Moscow
Saturday 15 July, Ak Bars Arena, Kazan

Penalty shootout: Zenit – Malcom (1-1), Sutormin (2-2), Mostovoy (3-3), Bakaev (4-4), Sergeev (4-4, saved shot), Robert Renan (5-4); CSKA – Chalov (0-1), Gaich (1-2), Nababkin (2-3), Zabolotny (3-4), Gajic (4-4, saved shot), Ermakov (4-4, saved shot)

2023/24 football season in Russia officially kicked off in Kazan, this city hosted Super Cup first time in history. Zenit entered the competition fifth straight year as RPL champions, while CSKA played first time since 2018, this time as Cup winners.

The nominal visitors forced Mikhail Kerzhakov to have more job, but Zenit goalkeeper, extended contract for one more year, dealt with all shots on target including Bakhtiyor Zaynutdinov free kick in first half and Milan Gajic volley after half-time. In total Kerzhakov saved six times, while Igor Akinfeev did not see any shots on target, as Zenit players missed all three attempts.

Akinfeev and Kerzhakov were the key players to watch in the penalty shootout. Both teams scored four shots in a row, then goaltenders saved balls in fifth round. Kerzhakov repeated stopping Nikita Ermakov, but Akinfeev could not save from Robert Renan shot in panenka style, which became winning shot for Zenit.

Zenit became Super Cup record holders winning eighth trophy in eleven appearances, while CSKA stayed behind with seven wins in twelve tournament matches.

Both competitors will play first matches of RPL season on Saturday 22 July on away. CSKA will visit Ural, while Zenit will meet with Pari NN.