Zenit St. Petersburg head coach Sergey Semak praised his team and their fans after a resounding 5-0 victory over BATE Borisov in a friendly match held on March 22, 2025. Semak emphasized the importance of fan support, stating, "We really appreciate the fans who came and supported us; it allowed us to have a great match in a football atmosphere. This means a lot for our team." The coach noted that the game provided valuable playing experience for the squad and served as a preparation tool amidst a busy season.
The match, held at Zenit’s home ground in Saint Petersburg, saw the home side dominate from the outset, scoring three goals in the first half and adding to their tally with two more in the second half. Goals were scored by Ilzat Akhmetov in the 14th minute, Vendel just two minutes later, and Nino in the 25th minute. Aleksandr Sobolev sealed the victory with a brace, finding the net in the 56th and 62nd minutes.
Despite the friendly nature of the fixture, Semak stated, "Today, I think we looked better. We don’t know how the opponents prepare or what their objectives are for friendly matches, but we approach these games as an opportunity to improve our performance." He added that such encounters help players maintain their competitive edge, saying, "It’s also essential that we came through the match without injuries, which is an important aspect of this game."
Forward Lusiano did suffer a minor ankle contusion during the match, but Semak assured the press that he should recover quickly. "Yes, there was a blow to the ankle, a bruise. It should be fine," Semak said, reflecting on the team’s injury report after the match.
A notable highlight of the match was the participation of both teams in the campaign titled "On the field, everyone is equal." This initiative, as emphasized by Semak, reinforces the notion that sports unite people from different backgrounds through fair competition. "Sport has always united people, and today’s match pursues that goal as well," he remarked.
In another moving moment, Brazilian player Nino took the field with his son Antonio in honor of the International Day of People with Down Syndrome, showcasing the power of family and inclusivity. "These are people who need support," Semak stated when referencing Nino’s decision, indicating the importance of compassion and understanding in society. 'I think people should help them in every way possible,' Semak added emphasizing the need for greater acceptance.
Looking ahead, Zenit will face Kazan's Rubin in their next official matchup in the Russian Premier League on March 30, 2025. Semak's vision for the team remains focused on continuous improvement and maintaining player fitness: "It’s crucial that the players develop and come back in good shape from their international duties," he said, reflecting on the player schedules and the importance of teamwork in their upcoming matches.
This 5-0 victory, along with the team's ongoing efforts to promote unity and inclusion both on and off the pitch, proves to be a significant step forward for Semak's squad as they venture deeper into the season, motivated by their supporters and each other.
