The encounter of the Mir Russian Premier League 24th round that was held in Saint Petersburg, ended in a 3:1 win for the hosts.
Milan Majstorovic formed a centre-back tandem with Roberto Fernandez due to Saba Sazonov's disqualification. The Serbian youngster made his debut as a starter in the RPL encounter. Konstantin Tyukavin got cold, so Fedor Smolov became the unique option for the centre-forward position. Diego Laxalt has fully recovered from injury and remained on the bench.
Dynamo played the first half with great concentration and created the first chance in the match. Mikhail Kerzhakov denied Daniil Fomin's 20-meter strike, while Smolov fired over the crossbar when rebounding.
The clever realignment of the visitors' side didn't let Zenit get the ball in free zones. Fernandez and Majstorovic backed the teammates up when needed. On the 23rd minute Mateo Cassierra headed in, however, Anton Shunin played well at goal.
Dynamo team used high pressure and performed set-pieces well enough. It brought some troubles for the hosts. In one of fast attacks organized by Slavisa Jokanovic's men Dmitry Chistyakov blocked Denis Makarov's effort.
The first half seemed to end with the draw, when Malcom found the contact with Moumi Ngamaleu's leg and fell down inside the penalty area. The referee whistled for a foul. The Brazilian winger converted the penalty without any chance for Dynamo – 0:1.
After the break the White-Blues continued to play their own football and responded on Zenit attempts regularly. In order to reverse the game Slavisa Jokanovic made a double substitution fielding Yaroslav Gladyshev and Luka Gagnidze.
The Muscovites didn't sit back moving forward constantly. But our team lacked some creative decisions in the final third of the pitch. On the 68th minute Zenit doubled their lead. Malcom got the ball from Claudinho on the right wing and curled it brilliantly into the far top corner. In the next attack prepared by the hosts, Shunin saved Dynamo tipping the ball to the crossbar. Two minutes later Majstorovic cleared a potentially goaling chance created by Cassierra.
Gradually, Dynamo coaching staff renewed the squad and released Vyacheslav Grulev, Mathias Normann and Daniil Lesovoy. Ten minutes before the final whistle the Muscovites cut the lead. Fomin continued his long-range exploits, which led to his second goal in two matches. By the end, Andrey Mostovoy intercepted the ball after Majstorovic's loss and registered the final score in the game – 1:3.
Dynamo remain fifth on 39 points. In the next round the White-Blues will host Fakel at VTB Arena on April 28. A great program, which is dedicated to Dynamo's centenary is planned at this match.