In Krasnodar, where the Russian title race is already tightening around familiar rivals, Zenit Saint Petersburg found a landmark afternoon in Pedrinho’s 100th appearance for the club. The Brazilian created two goals in a 3-2 away win that lifted Zenit above their hosts after 10 rounds.
Pedrinho supplied both assists as Maksim Glushenkov struck twice for the visitors. Aleksandr Sobolev added Zenit’s other goal, while João Batxi and Jhon Córdoba scored for Krasnodar.
The result left Zenit top of the Russian championship on 21 points, level with Krasnodar but ahead on the relevant tie-break criteria. Zenit have recorded seven wins and three defeats in their opening 10 league fixtures; Krasnodar’s return is six victories, three draws and one loss.
A century in Saint Petersburg
Signed in January 2024 after leaving Corinthians, Pedrinho reached his century of Zenit matches with his contribution in Krasnodar. His two assists took his overall return for the club to 11 goals and 19 assists.
“To make 100 appearances for a club of Zenit’s stature makes me extremely proud,” Pedrinho said. “I was welcomed very well from the moment I arrived, and I have had the chance to win trophies and develop as a player. I have grown since my first season and have been able to contribute to the team.
“Thank God, I have maintained that this season. I hope to keep helping with goals, assists and good performances. We want to win the title again and that is what we are focused on.”
The 100-game mark places Pedrinho seventh among Brazilian players for appearances in Zenit history. Douglas Santos, also part of the current squad, leads that Brazilian list. Across all nationalities in the present Zenit group, Pedrinho ranks eighth for appearances.
Creation key to Zenit’s title defence
Pedrinho has collected five trophies since arriving in Russia, making him the sixth-most decorated Brazilian in Zenit’s history. His influence this season has been particularly evident in chance creation: he has six assists in 11 Russian league appearances.
Saturday’s win also strengthened Zenit’s pursuit of a second consecutive championship. With Krasnodar level on points and separated only by the tie-break, the contest at the top remains closely balanced as Saint Petersburg’s champions seek to protect their position.
