The first big game of the Russian Premier League season has not disappointed so far, as Zenit St. Petersburg and CSKA Moscow are locked up 1-1 at halftime of an entertaining game. It's been quick and physical, but with plenty of scoring chances, and it would be a mild surprise to see the game end at 0-0.
The first half involved a bit of the teams feeling each other out, but the action picked up mid-way through the half, culminating in a 32nd minute goal by Chilean winger Mark Gonzalez, putting CSKA in front. Seydou Doumbia and Zoran Tosic did well to set up Gonzalez for 12 yard shot from the left side of the penalty area, which he finished well.
It appeared that CSKA were headed to halftime with a lead, but veteran midfielder Konstatin Zyrianov found a 47th minute equalizer, beautifully set up by a long ball out of the back by Aleksandar Anyukov and an assist by Alexander Kerzhakov. Zenit had the slightly better of the play in the first half, and their equalizer was well deserved. It's been great action so far, and the hosts will be looking for another goal at the Petrovsky Stadium.