Uefa Cup
As the English prepare for Moscow, Russians will be heading to Manchester
It’s a unique scenario, but as two sets of English fans attempt to fly, drive, or maybe even walk to Moscow the fans of Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg will be planning their trip to the north of England in a Uefa Cup final comprising two surprise finalists.
Zenit have enjoyed a wonderful year: they won the Russian league championship and, despite their season ending last November, have reached the Uefa Cup final after an excellent set of results in 2008.
Under Dick Advocaat, they have been transformed and their 2007 league triumph was the first in their history - while also ensuring qualification for the Champions League next season. Offering a stylish brand of football, Zenit have marched through the knockout stages of the continental competition, culminating in a stunning 4-0 victory at home to Bayern Munich in the semi-final second leg.
In 2007, their concentration appeared to be solely on domestic matters in the quest for an inaugural league title and Zenit only barely progressed from the Uefa Cup group stages. They amassed just five points and only qualified by virtue of Everton’s win at AZ Alkmaar on the final matchday, thus ensuring the Dutch side finished a point below them.
After securing league glory at home, Zenit edged their way through to the latter stages on the peninsula. Advocaat’s side won their round of 32 and round of 16 clashes on away goals against European heavyweights Villarreal and Marseille, the latter victory especially fortunate after injury and disciplinary problems saw them go 3-0 down in France only to steal a late goal before winning 2-0 at the Petrovsky Stadium.
The quarter and semi-final ties saw the Russians twice come up against strong German outfits - and both times triumphing with some ease. Zenit stunned 2002 Champions League finalists Bayer Leverkusen with a 4-1 win at the BayArena before trumping 2001 winners Bayern Munich 4-1 at home to move through to the Manchester final 5-2 on aggregate.
In 2005, CSKA Moscow became the first Russian winners in any continental competition and Zenit will be looking to emulate their rivals at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 14. With half of the city readying themselves for a long trip to Moscow, the Zenit fans can turn out in force and enjoy the extra freedom.
One thing is for sure: securing flights and accommodation for the Russians travelling to England will be a far more facile task than the supporters of Manchester United or Chelsea face.
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Credit to Zenit. I really didnt see them getting anywhere in the competition. Credit should go to Advocaat for surprising us all. Im an Everton fan and so its bitter sweet that a team we beat has got so far in the tournament. But theyve done it the hard way, as you said, beating Leverkeusen, Marseille, Villareal and an excellent performance against a dissappointing Bayern.
From the Semi Finals, i would have put money on a Fiorentina and Bayern Munich. And that is why i dont gamble.
Wasn’t the best Zenit match at Everton also with shitty referee who red carded our defender for non-existing hand ball. But I must say Everton’s a good team, winning all the games at the group stage.
Best wishes from SPb