The blue-white-sky blues were looking to bounce back after losing 0-2 at home to Rubin Kazan last Wednesday. It was Sergei Semak's squad's first competitive defeat of 2024.
The home side tested the waters first. In the 8th minute, Jorge Carrascal's low-centre attempt from outside the 18-yard box on a Dynamo counterattack was saved by Mikhail Kerzhakov. It was Dynamo's first and only attempt on target in the first half.
Despite Dynamo producing more chances in the opening minutes of the match, Zenit quickly took control of the game and began to maintain possession in their opponent's half.
In the 11th minute, Claudinho's lob from a Zenit set piece was parried by Dynamo's goalkeeper Anton Shunin, with the ball landing at the feet of Mateo Cassierra. The Colombian took a low right shot, but Shunin saved, keeping the scoreline level.
Like their game against Rubin, the first 45 minutes saw Zenit dominate much of the first half but fail to find the back of the net. The two teams entered the locker room deadlocked at 0-0.
Zenit returned from the break displaying similar attacking momentum, as Dynamo looked to exploit the pressure created by the influx of Zenit players in their half with swift counterattacks. One led to a second shot on target for Jorge Carrascal in the 69th minute, but it was saved effortlessly by Kerzhakov.
In the 76th minute, a Dynamo cross from the left flank was met by Fabian Balbuena, who won his aerial duel with the Zenit defence. He played the ball into the centre of the visitor's goal and found Konstantin Tyukavin, who nudged it into the right corner to give his side a 1-0 lead.
In stoppage time, Zenit made a final attempt at goal when Wendel's long-range effort sailed over the bar and missed the target.
Dynamo held on and would secure a 1-0 victory over the league leaders. Despite the defeat, the blue-white-sky blues still hold the top spot in the RPL standings, having played 26 matches. Second-placed Krasnodar can move into first place in the RPL table tomorrow if they win against Krylia Sovetov.
The Russian champion's next match is away at VEB Arena on Thursday, 2 May, when they take on CSKA Moscow in the first leg of the RPL Path final of the Russian Cup. Kick-off is set for 7.15pm St. Petersburg time. The return leg will take place at Gazprom Arena on Wednesday, 15 May. Tickets are available here.
