CSKA — Zenit, 19 May 2024

Megasport, let's push it!

After a great away victory in Game 5, the team immediately returned to Moscow on an Aeroflot charter. And the coaches gave the team a day off, keeping the training time at Megasport as optional. As a result, most of the team showed up at the arena, working on their shots and doing recovery procedures with the medical staff. Indeed: it is too early to have a full rest; now basketball players and coaches are only thinking about work.

They're also thinking about making sure that the home-court advantage that the team earned actually becomes an advantage on Sunday (while away wins are more common in the series). So we are really looking forward to seeing all the red-and-blues in the stands!

“The key is the mental attitude and diligence of the players,” says CSKA head coach Andreas Pistiolis. “When these factors are at a high level, we can talk about tactics. But if the players don't give it all, tactics don't matter. The way to break the cycle of trading victories is to play as if there will be no tomorrow. We, coaches, of course, try to maintain this internal tension in the players, but still a lot depends on them, on real professionals. They have been in similar situations and know what to do. I’m confident we can respond to the situation and break the circle.”

Past matchups

Wins-losses: 36-17 (5-0 in EuroLeague, 18-0 against Triumph Lyubertsy)

Games of the 2023-24 VTB United League season:

08-Oct-2023. 1st stage. Zenit - CSKA: 76-80 (+4)
10-Dec-2023. 1st stage. CSKA - Zenit: 104-89 OT (+15)
01-Mar-2024. 2nd stage. Zenit - CSKA: 81-71 (-10)
28-Mar-2024. 2nd stage. CSKA - Zenit: 91-92 (-1)
05-May-2024. Semifinals. Zenit - CSKA: 67-82 (+15)
07-May-2024. Semifinals. Zenit - CSKA: 93-81 (-12)
10-May-2024. Semifinals. CSKA - Zenit: 75-61 (+14)
12-May-2024. Semifinals. CSKA - Zenit: 73-91 (-18)
16-May-2024. Semifinals. Zenit - CSKA: 73-99 (+26)

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