CSKA — Zenit, 24 January 2026

Two interims...

The blue-white-sky-blues' previous visit to the capital also took place amidst changes. Back then, the opponents were rebuilding their front line, and now they're facing changes at the coaching helm. Last week, the club parted ways with Aleksandr Sekulic, who had been with the team since the start of the season, and is currently searching for a head coach. Meanwhile, Zenit is being managed by interim coaches: Maxim Uchaikin was on the coaching bridge for the game against MBA-MAI, and today it was announced that former Uralmash coach Rostislav Vergun had signed a contract as an assistant coach, and will soon take over the team.

As for the St. Petersburg front line, Noah Vonleh—who hadn't yet arrived in Moscow in November—will not play against CSKA. The center suffered an Achilles injury and is out for an extended period and will be substituted by former Paris and UNICS center Ismael Bako. Another change is the departure of Nenad Dimitrijevic to Bayern, plus the return of Xavier Moon, who, however, has not yet played for Zenit this season.

Otherwise, the visitors will be playing with a nearly optimal lineup. Currently, their main offensive force is guard Levi Randolph (15.0 points, 49.2% three-point shooting). He is followed by Trent Frazier (14.9 points, 5.3 assists, 45.4% three-point shooting), Luka Šamanić (13.1 points, 4.5 rebounds), and Andrei Martyuk (11.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 0.8 blocks). NBA veteran Andre Roberson, who struggled with injuries earlier in the season, is also gradually returning to shape. He doesn't help much on offense (6.7 points), but he's a great help on the boards (5.5 rebounds).

Winning streak, testing streak

The red-blues played a tough game against Uralmash on Wednesday, but their winning streak remained intact. CSKA's previous defeat came in Kazan on November 15th. However, the team now faces one serious test after another. Following the meeting with Zenit, the team travels to distant and frosty Krasnoyarsk, followed by a home game against UNICS, and then a visit to Perm.

The Army Men are currently working with their full roster; the coaching staff will determine the roster for the game on the day of the game.

"We know how important games against Zenit are," assured CSKA head coach Andreas Pistiolis. "Just like in our last game, our opponent will be extra motivated due to the changes that have taken place. Therefore, we need to play focused for the full 40 minutes to secure an important victory."

Past matchups

Wins-losses: 45-22 (5-0 in EuroLeague, 18-0 against Triumph Lyubertsy)

Game of the 2025-26 VTB United League season:

12-Oct-2025. Zenit - CSKA: 84-85 (+1)
23-Nov-2025. CSKA - Zenit: 93-88 (+5)

Brief dossier

Zenit St.Petersburg, Russia

Founded: 2014
Colors: dark-blue, white, light-blue
Homecourt: KSK Arena (7,120)
CEO: Alexander Tserkovny
Interim head coach: Rostislav Vergun
Website: bc-zenit.com
Trophy case: VTB United League Champion (2022), Russian Champion (2022), 5-time VTB United League bronze medalist (2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2024), 5-time Russian Championship bronze medalist (2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2024), Russian Cup Winner (2024)