In an electrifying display during the Winline Super Cup match, Zenit St. Petersburg triumphed over Belarusian side BATE Borisov with a commanding score of 5-0. The match, which took place on March 22, 2025, in Saint Petersburg, saw midfielder Ilzat Akhmetov shine with one goal and one assist.
Akhmetov expressed joy about playing in front of their home crowd, stating, "Playing at home is always enjoyable, especially with our fans' support. The atmosphere was great, and we had a lot of fun." His positive attitude captures the essence of how pivotal fan support can be at home matches.
The match highlights a significant moment for Zenit as it not only marks a crucial win in their campaign but also reflects their dominance on the pitch. Following three away games, returning home to such a welcoming atmosphere surely gave the team an emotional boost. Akhmetov revealed that his goal came off a brilliant pass by teammate Alexander Sobolev, who skillfully set him up in a one-on-one situation against the BATE goalkeeper. "Sasha Sobolev delivered a great pass, it was a one-on-one, and I just had to find the back of the net. It was a great attack we worked on with Mantuanu; he laid it off to me, and I just did my part," he explained during a post-match interview.
This impressive result displayed a well-prepared and tactically sound Zenit squad, whose players demonstrated high levels of skill and teamwork throughout the contest. With the home fans cheering them on, the players seemed inspired to elevate their performance to a new level, showcasing seamless coordination both defensively and offensively.
Meanwhile, BATE’s performance on the pitch drew attention from fans and analysts alike, particularly their struggle against the speed and creativity of Zenit’s gameplay. The BATE head coach, Andrei Migal, commented on the difference between their squad and the much-acclaimed talent in Zenit, saying, "Zenit has different speeds, decision-making quickness, and the level of foreign players is much higher than ours." This assessment sheds light on the competitive gulf between the teams, especially in a high-stakes match like this.
Despite the setback, the match provided valuable learning experiences for the BATE players, who faced a top-tier team in European football. This exposure is likely to contribute to their development as a squad as they continue their campaign in the league.
Zenit Coach Sergey Semak indicated pride in his team's performance, praising them for their workrate and commitment on the field. He noted Akhmetov's contributions as especially important. "Sasha is working hard, and that’s what is most important, goals will come naturally. The main thing is that he is willing to sacrifice his personal interests for the benefit of the team," Semak remarked.
The team's excellent form has sparked excitement among fans and the coaching staff, spreading an aura of positivity as they approach the next fixtures. As Zenit continues to build momentum, supporters are hopeful for a successful run in both domestic and international competitions.
The atmosphere at the stadium served as a reminder of how powerful fan support can be, amplifying players' performances and pushing teams to achieve their best in pivotal moments. Zenit's commanding win against BATE not only underscores their quality as a team but also rekindles hopes for future successes, creating an air of enthusiasm in the city of Saint Petersburg.
As the Zenit squad prepares for upcoming matches, the combination of experienced players like Akhmetov and the camaraderie within the team suggests that they are gearing up to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The continuous pursuit for excellence shines bright, especially when their home ground becomes the fortress it was during the match against BATE.
