Zenit 3-0 Dinamo Makhachkala: Sobolev double equals Russian Cup record (full match highlights)

Zenit St. Petersburg cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory over Dinamo Makhachkala in the third round of the Russian Cup group stage, with Alexander Sobolev grabbing a first-half brace to equal Oleg Veretennikov's all-time scoring record in the competition. The hosts took control early when Sergei Volkov delivered a low cross into the penalty area on 11 minutes, and Sobolev finished first-time into the far corner to open the scoring. The second goal came on 38 minutes through a swift counter-attacking move, as Douglas Santos released Maxim Glushenkov, who squared for Sobolev to round the goalkeeper and slot home. This was Sobolev's 24th goal in the Russian Cup, matching Veretennikov's record of 24 strikes, though the legend reached that tally in 42 matches compared to Sobolev's 46 appearances. Alexander Erokhin completed the rout in the 85th minute, powering home a header from Gustavo Mantuan's corner kick. The match also marked the full debut of 18-year-old midfielder Amir Musaev, who impressed in central midfield despite the absence of key players like Wendel and Pedro. Zenit's head coach Sergei Semak praised the team's performance, saying the players repaid the fans with good football and a deserved result. According to Russian media, Zenit had 22 shots on goal and dominated possession with 67 percent, while Dinamo managed only five attempts throughout the match. This victory extends Zenit's winning streak to three matches in the tournament, securing top spot in Group C with eight points, while Dinamo remain bottom with just one point. The two sides will meet again in October, this time in Makhachkala, for the return fixture. Can Sobolev break the record in that game and become the Russian Cup's all-time leading scorer?