The second leg of the Russian Cup 2025/26 RPL Path quarter-final between Dynamo Moscow and Zenit will take place on November 27 at the VTB Arena. The first leg score was 3-1 in favor of Dynamo Moscow. Dynamo Moscow vs. Zenit: prediction, betting odds, and statistics.
Dynamo Moscow
The Moscow club managed to defeat Zenit 3-1 away in the previous match. This extended Dynamo's unbeaten run in regular time in the Russian Cup to five matches (3 wins, 2 draws). The goal they conceded was the first in this stretch. To progress to the RPL Path semi-finals, Dynamo can afford to lose by a narrow margin in the second leg.
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of Dynamo's last 8 games in the national Cup.
- At home in this tournament, the team has not lost in regular time in 19 of their last 23 matches (16 wins, 3 draws).
- At least one goal has been scored in both halves in 7 of Dynamo's last 8 home Cup matches.
Predicted lineup for Dynamo Moscow (4-5-1)
Igor Leshchuk – Nicolas Marichal, Leon Seidensal, Dmitry Skopintsev, Maxim Osipenko – Alexander Kutitsky, Viktor Okishor, Bitello, El Mehdi Mauhub, Mumi Ngamaleu – Ivan Sergeev.
Injured players include defenders Bakhtiyor Zainutdinov, Milan Majstorovic, forward Artur Gomes, and midfielders Danil Glebov, Anton Miranchuk, Luis Chavez.
Zenit
Having breezed through the group stage, Zenit stumbled in the first playoff match. It was only the second time in the last 28 Russian Cup games that the team conceded more than two goals. Nevertheless, Sergei Semak's side has now scored in seven consecutive Cup matches. To continue their quest for the trophy in the upper bracket, Zenit must defeat their opponent by a large margin. If they win by exactly two goals, a penalty shootout will decide the outcome.
- The team has scored at least two goals in 5 of their last 7 national Cup matches.
- Zenit has won 6 of their last 7 away matches in this tournament (1 loss).
- In 11 of their last 13 away Cup matches, Zenit has not conceded more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Zenit (4-5-1)
Evgeny Latyshonok – Strahinja Erakovic, Nuraly Alip, Nino, Roman Vega – Gerson Santos, Yuri Gorshkov, Luciano Gondou, Andrey Mostovoy, Yaroslav Mikhailov – Alexander Sobolev.
Injuries include defender Douglas Santos and forward Mateo Cassierra.
Referee
Anton Frolov (Russia)
Matches – 6 (Russian Cup, 2023/24 - 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 18;
Average yellow cards per match – 3;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 32;
Penalties – 17%.
Match Prediction: Dynamo Moscow vs. Zenit
The Moscow club managed to defeat a challenging opponent in the first match, despite not having the best results in the league. This win has boosted Dynamo's confidence ahead of the second leg. Their confidence grew even more after their recent Premier League match, which they played under the guidance of Roland Gusev. The team managed to thrash a resilient Makhachkala side, a feat only Zenit had achieved in the RPL 2025/26. Against Zenit, a narrow defeat would suffice for the hosts, as Dynamo has not lost to Sergei Semak's side at home in 5 of their last 6 official meetings.
There is no catastrophe for Zenit in any case. They can continue their quest for the trophy in the tournament's lower bracket. Of course, exiting the RPL Path would dent the team's pride, but on the other hand, Zenit is catching up with Krasnodar in the national championship, and Sergei Semak might focus on that tournament. Moreover, the Russian Cup offers a backup route, and winning the upcoming match at all costs is not necessary.
My prediction: "Dynamo Moscow to win or draw"
