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When the draw tossed Zenit over the Norwegian Rosenborg, we returned our memories to February 2006. Then one of the brightest teams in Russian history, the blue-white-blues, played under the leadership of Vlastimil Petrzhela with the “little trolls” in the 1/16 finals of the UEFA Cup. Remember how in the first away match Kamil Chontofalski parried a penalty kick by Frode Johnsen, and Alexander Kerzhakov scored a curious goal as a result of an unsuccessful clearance by another Johnsen - goalkeeper Espen? The St. Petersburgers won at Lerkendal with a score of 2:0, and a week later they finished off the Scandinavians at Petrovsky - 2:1.
Today the difference between Zenit and Rosenborg is much greater than it was 11 years ago, although the Trondheim team is about to secure its 25th league title in Norway. However, Roberto Mancini, having burned himself at the Tula Arsenal, is blowing water. “We are facing a strong opponent who plays almost regularly in European competitions. It has many players with experience playing in Europe. It won't be easy for Zenit. “Rosenborg are well prepared physically, so it’s definitely not going to be an easy game,” the Italian said at the pre-match press conference. Most likely, Mister really believed what he said to journalists and fans.
How to squeeze one hundred percent out of Rigoni
Mancini repeated the line-up that played against Real Sociedad. Russians Igor Smolnikov, Alexander Erokhin and Oleg Shatov sat on the bench, and three Argentines appeared in their place - Emanuel Mammana, Leandro Paredes and Emiliano Rigoni. The Zenit “base” again included eight legionnaires. This imbalance may make some people angry. But, apparently, the Italian coach trusts these eleven players the most today.
The first surprise at the start of the game was Rosenborg's tactical scheme. Kåre Ingebrigtsen almost never strays from the 4-3-3 system, and at the Arena St. Petersburg unexpectedly fielded three central defenders. Apparently, the idea to change the traditional model was inspired by the meeting in San Sebastian, where Real Sociedad exceeded the speed allowed for the Norwegian team's defensive players and easily scored three goals in less than half time.
However, the extra stopper did not save the guests from Trondheim from conceding a goal already in the 59th second. As with the Basques, the author of the early goal (the fastest in the club's European Cup history!) was Rigoni. While Ingebrigtsen's men adapted to the new tactics and figured out who was holding whom, Zenit played the ball on the flank, and Domenico Criscito delivered a cool cross into the penalty area onto the head of the Argentine midfielder.
Rigoni is also surprising. Nice. When information about Emiliano’s transfer to Zenit first appeared, the Sports Day by Day correspondent watched five or six matches with his participation for Independiente. And in not a single game back then was the potential newcomer truly liked. There was too much defect in his actions. Perhaps the secret of Rigoni's brilliant play at Zenit is that Mancini simply does not burden him with unnecessary functions, does not require him to play the game and make difficult decisions. Highest speed and impact - these are the Argentinean’s trump cards that the coach plays on. Rigoni gave a good tug to the weakly defending Birger Mehling and could have scored two assists before the break, despite the fact that Rosenborg did not provide any extra space for counterattacks. But in the episode in the 44th minute, Emiliano was hindered by his straightforwardness: he needed to cleverly roll the ball under himself, but he shot with all his might.
The Norwegians, having conceded, did not “float”, dominated for some time and combined well, bringing the ball to the flank. They earned a series of corners, which were always considered their trump card. Especially in the 1990s, when, when serving, they flew at the goal with a whole group of tall players and brought the ball into the net along with the goalkeeper. Sometimes even now they organize something similar, although not with Zenit. Rosenborg created two very dangerous chances at the end of the first half, and star Nicklas Bendtner almost scored. For such masters, one touch is often enough to score a goal.
Brilliant move from Paredes
Zenit, unlike the match with Tula, moved well themselves and moved the ball. Questions about the outcome should have been put to rest in the opening of the second half. Even though the Norwegians did not move away from the scheme with three central defenders, hoping to catch their chance without much risk, the blue-white-blue began to stab the opponent over and over again with counterattacks. Alexander Kokorin moved deep and greatly accelerated the hosts' attacks, and Sebastian Driussi and Rigoni organized two scoring chances thanks to their interaction. The guests could not keep up with Zenit's deft forwards. And the hosts' corners looked sharper, at least Miha Mevlja was very close to a goal - a brilliant save from Andre Hansen prevented it.
Is the intrigue still there for the ending? No, because Leandro Paredes was against this! Only the Argentine center could have made such a stunning pass to Rigoni. None of the defenders expected Paredes' cunning decision, but Rigoni always knows - you just need to open up correctly to a long pass from your compatriot, and he will reward you. We hope the Argentina national team coaches watched this match.
In the end, Rigoni scored a well-deserved hat-trick. The third goal for the midfielder came from a Rosenborg player (now named Jensen), who fussed and made a thoughtless back pass. Emiliano calmly dealt with Hansen. Zenit relaxed a little and did not hold on to the 3:0 lead, however, they won their third victory in three rounds of the Europa League group stage. In all matches, the blue-white-blues confidently outplayed their opponents. In fact, the task of reaching the playoffs of the tournament has been solved, now the first place is performance in the RFPL - ahead of the battle with competitors.
Europa League. Group tournament. 3rd round. Group L
Zenit (St. Petersburg, Russia) - Rosenborg (Trondheim, Norway) - 3:0
"Zenith": Lunev - Ivanovich, Mammana, Mevlya, Crishito (c) - Rigoni, Kranevitter, Paredes (Noboa, 83), Kuzyaev - Driussi (Erokhin, 62), Kokorin (Poloz, 86)
Rosenborg: Hansen - Hedenstad (Gersbach 82), Reginiussen, Bjordal, Rasmussen, Meling - Tronnsen (Lundem 80), Konradsen, Jensen (c) - Adegbenro (Hellan 80), Bendtner
- Goals: Rigoni, 1 (1:0), 68 (2:0), 75 (3:0); Helland 88 (3:1)
- Warnings: Paredes, 39 / Hedenstad, 14; Tronnsen 35
- Judge: Tobias Stieler (Germany)
Vardar - Real Sociedad - 0:6
Goals: Oyarzabal, 12; Willian Jose, 34, 42, 55, 59; de la Bella, 90
Team position
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ZENITH |
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Real Sociedad |
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Rosenborg |
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Schedule and calendar
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Real Sociedad |
Rosenborg |
Vardar |
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Real Sociedad |
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Rosenborg |
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Vardar |