GREATEST GAMES

2017Chile July 2 0-1 Germany

The Krestovsky Stadium’s first headline assignment was the 2017 Confederations Cup final. A dreamlike closing ceremony preceded the final, paying homage to Russia’s history. Copa America holders Chile were led by Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal, but reigning world champions Germany took the spoils when Timo Werner pounced on a defensive error and squared to Lars Stindl to tap home.

2018France July 10 1-0 Belgium

World Cup 2018’s first semi-final pitted two of Europe’s powerhouses against each other. The star-studded line-ups converged on Saint Petersburg, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba battling Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne for a spot in the final. Although Belgium had the advantage in possession; the tie was eventually decided by Samuel Umtiti’s pinpoint header early in the second half.

2019Zenit May 12 Saint Petersburg 3-1 CSKA Moscow

Zenit ended their four-year Russian Premier League drought at their new home in May 2019. After going behind to CSKA in the first half, courtesy of Ivan Oblyakov’s delightful first-time strike, Sebastian Driussi’s goals either side of Emiliano Rigoni’s rifled effort secured Zenit’s sixth Russian title. It was their first championship since 2015, and the win sparked scenes of euphoria across the city.