Zenit draws 1-1 with Gimnasia La Plata in a friendly at the Gazprom Arena
According to Championat.
Why this matters
The draw between Zenit and Gimnasia La Plata in a friendly at the Gazprom Arena highlights the importance of both clubs in fine-tuning their dynamics before the start of official competitions. This type of meeting allows coaches to test different formations and players, essential for preparing for the season. The game also serves as a showcase for fans, who were able to see their team in action during pre-season.
Main conclusions
- Zenit draws 1-1 with Gimnasia La Plata in a friendly at the Gazprom Arena.
- Equal to a ball between Zenit and Gimnasia La Plata in a friendly played at the Gazprom Arena, with goals from Aleksandr Sobolev and Agustín Auzmendi.
- Зенит — Химнасия и Эсгрима, результат матча 5 июля 2026, счёт 1:1, товарищеский матч - Чемпионат.
Zenit Saint Petersburg and Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata drew 1-1 in a preparatory match played this Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Gazprom Arena, home of the Russian team. The special helped both teams gain a competitive rhythm in the middle of the summer, in an intercontinental test that brought together a Russian team and a historic team from Argentina.
The scoring was opened after just 20 minutes, when Aleksandr Sobolev appeared to finish for 1-0, putting Zenit ahead in front of their home crowd. The La Plata team reacted and, close to half-time, found a draw: in the 39th minute, Agustín Auzmendi made it 1-1, a result that led to rest.
In the second half, the game remained balanced and, despite offensive initiatives from both sides and the natural experiences typical of a friendly, the result did not change again. The match ended in a draw, confirming a useful test for the two coaches, who took the opportunity to observe solutions, give minutes to various members of the squad and fine-tune dynamics before returning to official competitions.
Held in Saint Petersburg, the duel was also an opportunity for local fans to once again see the team in action at their stadium, in a pre-season context. For Gimnasia, the trip to Russia represented a demanding test away from home and against an opponent accustomed to dominating at home.
Zenit's preparation calendar continues this week with two more friendlies scheduled for the Gazprom Arena. On July 8, the Saint Petersburg club will face Neftchi (Fergana), in a match scheduled for 7:00 pm (Moscow time). A few days later, on July 12th, a new test is scheduled against Crvena Zvezda, also at home and also with kick-off at 19:00 (MSK). These commitments will allow the Zenit coach to consolidate routines, manage loads and continue to distribute minutes to starters and options for the Russian team, in a fine-tuning process that precedes the official challenges of the next competitive cycle.
For Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, the draw in Russia reinforces the usefulness of these international preparation games, which help to calibrate the team in the face of different playing styles and competitive contexts, maintaining intensity and focus while the group adjusts to the tactical and physical demands of the season. Overall, a fair and productive 1-1 for both sides, sealed by goals from Sobolev and Auzmendi in the first half.
What happens next
Zenit have a busy preparation schedule, with a next test scheduled against Neftchi on July 8th. This game will be crucial to assess the team's progress and adjust strategies before the start of the season. Furthermore, a match against Crvena Zvezda is scheduled for July 12th, promising more challenges for the Russian club.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the game between Zenit and Gimnasia?
Zenit drew 1-1 with Gimnasia La Plata.
Who scored the goals in the Zenit vs Gimnasia game?
Aleksandr Sobolev scored for Zenit and Agustín Auzmendi equalized for Gimnasia.
How does this draw impact the table or rankings?
The game was a friendly, therefore it does not impact the official table or rankings.
What is Zenit's next game after the draw with Gimnasia?
Zenit's next game will be against Neftchi (Fergana) on July 8th.
Where was the game between Zenit and Gimnasia held?
The game was held at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg.