Now it’s best-of-three
After a couple of games in Moscow, the VTB League final series was reset. More precisely, it turned into a best-of-three series, where, as originally, Zenit has the home court advantage. And, as originally, the teams will “start” the battle in St.Petersburg…
A more than confident victory in game 4, in theory, handed the initiative over to CSKA. But this series (as well as the last year’s semifinal) have already proven that pre-game predictions are a usual convention, and in reality everything depends on the precise execution of the plan, dedication and luck in long-distance shooting.
“As we expected, this series is turning out to be long and exciting,” said CSKA head coach Andreas Pistiolis. “In a battle between two high-level teams, it is difficult to predict the outcome. We are heading to St.Petersburg to try to intercept the home court advantage. I am sure it will be a very interesting game for the fans.”
After four games, the red-blues got a well-deserved day off, although on Wednesday more than half of the players still showed up at Megasport - some worked in the gym, some worked on their shots, and some needed medical attention. A full training session took place this afternoon, and after it the team went to Sheremetyevo and flew to St.Petersburg on an Aeroflot charter.
Past matchups
Wins-losses: 41-22 (5-0 in EuroLeague, 18-0 against Triumph Lyubertsy)
Games of the 2024-25 VTB United League season:
Regular season
13-Oct-2024. CSKA – Zenit: 83-77 (+6)
07-Dec-2024. Zenit - CSKA: 82-78 (-4)
02-Feb-2025. CSKA – Zenit: 66-79 (-13)
30-Mar-2025. Zenit - CSKA: 81-77 (-4)
Finals
27-May-2025. Zenit - CSKA: 80-82 (+2)
29-May-2025. Zenit - CSKA: 86-70 (-16)
01-Jun-2025. CSKA – Zenit: 83-91 (-8)
03-Jun-2025. CSKA – Zenit: 85-62 (+23)
Brief dossier
Zenit St.Petersburg, Russia
Founded: 2014
Colors: dark-blue, white, light-blue
Homecourt: KSK Arena (7,120)
CEO: Alexander Tserkovny
Head coach: Xavi Pascual
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)
