Zenit not happy despite first Champions League point
Published 21 October, 2008, 19:03
Zenit St Petersburg earned their first point in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League – but their dreams of making the last 16 stage are now over. The Russian champions drew 1-1 with Belarus's BATE Borisov at the Petrovsky Stadium, meaning a UEFA Cup place is now the best they can hope for.
Zenit were in last place in Group H before the match and desperately needed a win to keep their hopes of progressing further in the tournament alive.
Dick Advocaat said that his team may give up its attacking style of play and pay more attention to defence in order to improve results.
When the match kicked off Zenit poured men forward. The team created a number of chances before the break – Tekke and Danni both hitting the post – but failed to take advantage. It was 0-0 after 45 minutes.
Zenit continued to dominate possession after the break, but BATE’s counter attack shocked the hosts as Nekhaychik put the Belarusian side in front.
The Russian team tried everything to get back in it and finally made the breakthrough nine minutes before the final whistle, though Tekke’s goal was all Zenit could manage.
A 1-1 draw leaves Zenit in last place in the group, with third place the best they can achieve, which allow them to switch to the UEFA Cup.
Zenit’s Champions League hopes shattered in Nalchik
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