The blue-white-sky blues defeated Spartak Moscow 3-2 on aggregate in the Russian Cup semi-finals, while CSKA beat Baltika 3-0 over two legs in their semi-final matchup.
The last time the two teams met in the competition, Zenit secured its fourth Russian Cup title by defeating CSKA 4-1 in the 2016 final.
Sergei Semak's men, known for their possession-heavy approach, were met with a fierce challenge from CSKA in the match's opening minutes. The home team pressed and successfully disrupted Zenit's passing rhythm, forcing them into a more reactive style of play.
Fedor Chalov appeared to give the defending Russian Cup champions the lead in the 17th minute, but his goal was ruled offside following a VAR review, much to the dismay of the home fans at VEB Arena, who were sent into a frenzy after Chalov's volley found the back of the net.
Neither Zenit nor CSKA created many clear goal-scoring opportunities in the first half. Both sides spent 45 minutes exchanging spells of possession and analysing how to break down their opponent's backline.
For the third match in a row, the blue-white-sky blues entered the halftime break scoreless.
Zenit displayed more attacking energy at the start of the second half. In the 47th minute, Gustavo Mantuan charged up the right flank, cut inside, and fired a long-range shot that struck the crossbar. It was the away side's first significant attempt at goal.
After a set piece by CSKA, the ball was launched into the Zenit penalty area, leading to a fierce aerial battle. The ball eventually landed in front of striker Anton Zabolotnyi, who managed to poke it past the Zenit defence and goalkeeper Denis Adamov, giving the home team a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute.
Pedro almost levelled the contest in the 65th minute after Zenit capitalised on a mistake from CSKA's defence. The 18-year-old Brazilian found himself unmarked on the edges of the 18-yard box. He took a low shot, but it deflected off the near right post.
In the 83rd minute, the blue-white-sky blues scored an equaliser goal after putting in much effort to rally back. Aleksandr Erokhin, who had come in as a substitute, powerfully headed in a corner kick taken by Artur. This goal marked Erokhin's first of the season and the 36th of his Zenit career.
Despite some late flurries from both teams, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The second leg of the RPL Path final of the Russian Cup will take place at Gazprom Arena on Wednesday, 15 May. The game will start at 8.45pm local time.
Zenit will play three matches against CSKA in May. Their next game is in the Russian Premier League (RPL) on Saturday, 11 May, at 7.00pm St. Petersburg time. The game will be held at Gazprom Arena.
The Russian champion's next match will be away against Fakel on Monday, 6 May, at the Trade Unions Central Stadium in the 27th round of the RPL. Kick-off is set for 6.00pm St. Petersburg time. Tickets are available here.
