Zenit secured a 2-1 victory against Akhmat in Grozny during their first-round match in the Russian Cup group stage. The match saw all of Zenit’s goals scored early on, establishing their lead.

Arsen Adamov opened the scoring for Zenit in the 3rd minute, heading the ball into the net following a pass from Luciano Gondu. Shortly after, in the 8th minute, Gondu himself scored, converting a one-on-one opportunity with a “parachute” shot over the goalkeeper.

Akhmat managed to score a consolation goal in the 83rd minute when Mohamed Konate converted a penalty. The penalty was awarded after Alexander Sobolev was penalized for a handball inside his own penalty area.

Zenit is scheduled to play their next match against CSKA at the Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg on Sunday, August 3.