Can Zenit and Lokomotiv Surprise Europe?

Can Zenit and Lokomotiv Surprise Europe?

Manuel Veth –

When Zenit Saint Petersburg beat Rangers 2-0 in the 2008 Uefa Cup Final, there were many predicting a strong Champions League showing from Russian clubs in the coming decade. In the proceeding years, however, Russian football seems to have somewhat dropped off a cliff with club sides mirroring the poor displays of the national team.

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Recently there has been somewhat of a resurgence, the Russian Premier Liga now has three Champions League spots and as a result Lokomotiv and Zenit qualified directly for the group stage. Neither club features highly in the football tips predictions, but which club will do better? Read on to find out.

Lokomotiv Moscow

Who have they been drawn with? 

Juventus, Athletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen

How will they fare? 

Lokomotiv will have to do play out of their skins to qualify for the latter stages of the Europa League never mind finish in the top two of their Champions League group.

The two top seeds in Group D – Juventus and Atletico – both have designs on lifting the trophy at the end of May in Istanbul. The Italian giants have strengthened their squad significantly over the summer transfer window, and now boast Matthijs De Ligt and Aaron Ramsey their ranks.

Added to that Juventus have the European experience of Cristiano Ronaldo to rely upon in close encounters. Maurizio Sarri’s team are many pundits favourites to win Group D and progress to the knock-out stages.

Although they will face stern competition from Atletico Madrid who have had a similarly productive transfer window. Antoine Griezmann has been replaced by exciting Portuguese youngster Joao Felix, who will provide the focal point of Madrid’s attack.

It would take something miraculous for Juventus and Atletico Madrid not to grab the top two spots in Lokomotiv’s group.

Zvonimir Sarlija (L) and Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson (R) of PFC CSKA Moscow compete for the ball with Eder of FC Lokomotiv Moscow during the Russian Football League match between PFC CSKA Moscow and FC Lokomotiv Moscow at Arena CSKA stadium on July 28, 2019 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images)

Zvonimir Sarlija (L) and Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson (R) of PFC CSKA Moscow compete for the ball with Eder of FC Lokomotiv Moscow during the Russian Football League match between PFC CSKA Moscow and FC Lokomotiv Moscow at Arena CSKA stadium on July 28, 2019 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images)

Can Lokomotiv finish third? 

German side Bayer Leverkusen will be Lokomotiv’s biggest rival for a third-place finish in Group D and the Europa League qualification that it brings. Despite not being one of the best teams in Europe, Bayer will still be no pushovers.

They performed admirably in the Bundesliga last season to grab the fourth and final Champions League place. On paper they are a stronger side than Lokomotiv Moscow, but third-place will rest on the two results between both sides in this group.

Zenit Saint Petersburg

Who have they been drawn with?

Benfica, Lyon and Leipzig

How will they fare?

Zenit appear to have been handed a much more straightforward group than their fellow countrymen. Barring Lyon, Group G has a very Europa League feel about it with Benfica and Leipzig rounding off the group.

Lyon have been the biggest threat to PSG in Ligue 1 over recent seasons and will be confident of claiming top spot in Zenit’s group. The final knockout spot will most likely go to Leipzig who finished third in last season’s Bundesliga.

That being said, it is likely to be a two-way battle between Zenit and Benfica for second-spot with away form proving critical.

André Schürrle of FC Spartak Moscow and Branislav Ivanovic of FC Zenit Saint Petersburg vie for the ball during the Russian Football League match between FC Spartak Moscow and FC Zenit Saint Petersburg at Otkrytie Arena stadium on September 1, 2019 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images)

André Schürrle of FC Spartak Moscow and Branislav Ivanovic of FC Zenit Saint Petersburg vie for the ball during the Russian Football League match between FC Spartak Moscow and FC Zenit Saint Petersburg at Otkrytie Arena stadium on September 1, 2019 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images)

Can Zenit finish second?

They will have a good chance. RB Leipzig are likely going to win the group but Zenit and Benfica have a similar squad. Furthermore, the Portuguese have struggled in the Champions League in recent years, which makes Zenit the favourites to advance. The Russian outfit will need to win their home games and keep it tight on the road to have any hope of qualifying from this group.


Manuel Veth is the owner and Editor in Chief of the Futbolgrad Network. He also works as a freelance journalist and among others contributes to Forbes.com and Pro Soccer USA. He holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in History from King’s College London, and his thesis is titled: “Selling the People’s Game: Football’s transition from Communism to Capitalism in the Soviet Union and its Successor States,” which is available HERE. Manuel has lived in Amsterdam, Kyiv, Moscow, Tbilisi, London, and currently splits his time between Victoria, BC, and Munich, Germany.  Follow Manuel on Twitter @ManuelVeth.

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