KRASNODAR (Russia): Iran striker Sardar Azmoun was crowned a Russian Premier League champion for the second successive season, scoring twice as Zenit Saint Petersburg wrapped up a second consecutive title on Sunday.
The Team Melli star was the Player of the Match on the day of Zenit’s coronation, netting the opening goal in the fifth minute, then adding a second shortly after half time as Sergey Semak’s side beat Krasnodar 4-2, extending their lead over second placed Lokomotiv Moscow to an insurmountable 13 points with four matches remaining.
Azmoun’s characteristic contribution was the latest chapter in what has been a fine individual campaign, notching his 12th and 13th goals in 25 league appearances, and taking his tally to 17 in 33 matches in all competitions.
With their title success – which was achieved both two months late and four matches early due to the league’s three-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic – Zenit were crowned champions for the sixth time since 2007.
Azmoun has been one of the club’s standout players since joining in February 2019, scoring 25 league goals on the way to back to back titles.
With Zenit’s league success confirmed, the club’s attention will now turn to securing the Russian Cup title, with a semi-final against Spartak Moscow set for July 19. (Source: AFC)
