Zenit St. Petersburg 4-0 FC Leningradets | International Club Friendly | 27 June 2026

Zenit St. Petersburg began their pre-season preparations in style with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over local neighbours FC Leningradets at the Gazprom Arena. The Russian Premier League champions showcased their strength in depth with a dominant display that left the second‑division side chasing shadows for much of the match.

Match Overview

Zenit took control from the opening minutes, moving the ball with purpose and pressing aggressively. The first goal came after just 12 minutes when Brazilian striker Mateo Cassierra latched onto a through ball from Claudinho and fired past the Leningradets goalkeeper. The lead was doubled before half‑time, as Wendel curled a free‑kick into the top corner from 20 yards.

The second half saw Zenit maintain their intensity. Brazilian winger Pedro converted a cross from the right to make it 3-0, and substitute Ivan Sergeyev added a fourth with a poacher's finish inside the six‑yard box. Leningradets, to their credit, never gave up and forced two saves from Zenit's backup goalkeeper late on, but they rarely threatened a comeback.

Key Moments

• 12': Mateo Cassierra scores with a clinical one‑on‑one finish.
• 38': Wendel beats the wall with a beautiful free‑kick.
• 64': Pedro makes it 3-0 with a close‑range header.
• 78': Ivan Sergeyev slots home from a rebound.

Tactical Story

Zenit head coach Sergei Semak used the friendly to test a 4-2-3-1 system, with Claudinho operating as a free playmaker behind the striker. The system produced a fluid attacking display, with full‑backs bombing forward. Leningradets, set up in a 5-3-2, simply could not cope with Zenit's movement and technical quality. The clean sheet will also please Semak, who rotated his defensive line after half‑time.

Standout Players

• Wendel (Zenit): Scored a superb free‑kick and controlled midfield with intelligence.
• Claudinho (Zenit) : Two assists and constant creativity in the final third.
• Mateo Cassierra (Zenit) : Opened the scoring and occupied defenders all evening.

Zenit continue their friendly schedule with a high‑profile match against a foreign opponent next week. For Leningradets, the scoreline provides a clear benchmark of the gap they must close ahead of the new First League season.