The encounter of the RPL 18th round that was held at VTB Arena ended in a 1:1 draw.
Dynamo saw expected changes in their squad. Varela and Skopintsev returned to the starting lineup after dismissals, while Zakharyan replaced the injured Szymanski in the midfield. Grulev, Tyukavin and Makarov formed the attacking trio. Laxalt found his name in the team list for the first time in three months. In their turn, Zenit could not count on dangerous tandem Azmoun-Dzyuba, so Mostovoy had to take the centre-forward position.
The number 17 of the Saint Petersburg side became the hero of the first well marked episode in the match. Mostovoy was clipped in the box by Skopintsev’s light touch, leaving Karasyov an opportunity to point out to the penalty spot. However, Claudinho missed the target after a short run-up.
The winter champion-defining match transformed into a war swarming with tough struggle and tackles. For a significant part of the first half, Zenit players used short passing away from the goal, while Dynamo footballers tried to take the ball back.
In the 34th minute, the visitors took the lead. Malcom found Karavayev on the overlap to cut back a sharp low cross along the six yard box, where Claudinho was able to turn it in under Varela’s pressure. The first half ended with two injuries of Malcom and Wendel who could not continue the game.
After the break, Semak made two forced substitutions, fielding Ozdoyev and Yerokhin. The White-Blues started the last half of the year bravely with Fomin and Grulev shooting from distance, and Tyukavin trying to beat Kerzhakov with a header.
The visitors periodically responded by quick counterattacks. In one of them, Shunin made an excellent save after Mostovoy’s one-on-one run. In the 72nd minute, Dynamo were awarded for their dedication and pressure. The Uruguayan right-back Varela picked out his fellow full-back Skopintsev haring in on the far side to slam a well-controlled volley under Mikhail Kerzhakov's legs.
After this success Dynamo attempted to grab the victory. Zakharyan, Grulev and Igboun looked for free zones, but they missed some luck trying to disappoint Zenit goalkeeper. The final chance came to Ordets who threatened the rival’s goal with a header but lacked accuracy.
Dynamo are second in the table with 36 points, Zenit are in the lead with 38 points. RPL games will resume in late February when the White-Blues will play away against Khimki.