Zenit vs CSKA. Preview
Opponent
Zenit and CSKA met quite recently — in the final of the VTB United League Supercup. Back then, the army team were stronger, claiming a 96:79 victory. That was the first derby for the Blue-White-Sky Blues under head coach Aleksander Sekulic.
Both teams started the regular season with confident wins: CSKA defeated Samara on the road, while Zenit beat Avtodor at home. However, in 2nd round, both sides stumbled simultaneously: Zenit suffered a heavy home loss to UNICS, while CSKA fell in Perm. After the defeat to BETCITY PARMA, CSKA head coach Andreas Pistiolis noted that his team started the game too softly and failed to show quality defense throughout the match.
Head-to-head
In total, the teams have met 60 times in the VTB United League regular season and playoffs. CSKA holds 37 victories, while Zenit has 23. Last season, the army team visited St. Petersburg five times: Zenit won three of those meetings, but CSKA took two victories in the final series.
Tomorrow, the teams will play their first head-to-head matchup of the 2025/26 regular season. A full house is expected at CSC Arena — meaning the Blue-White-Sky Blues are guaranteed passionate home support.
Direct speech
Zenit head coach Aleksander Sekulic — ahead of the tomorrow’s match:
Games with CSKA are always interesting and full of emotions. We expect full arena and loud support from our fans. We need thei support to be our sixth player. Especially now when we are very unlucky with injuries. I expect extra effort from players that are avaliable and ready to fight in order to overcome all difficulties we are facing right now.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: CSKA
Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg
Date: October 12, 18:00 (local time)
Broadcast: Okko Sport, Match TV, VTB United League website, VK Video
