Moscow will host WINLINE Game of the Week between CSKA and Zenit on Saturday.
Place: Russia, Moscow, Megasport
Time: January 24, 2026, 16:00 (Moscow time)
Broadcasts: Match TV, Start Triumph, League website
Rivalry
The most intense rivalry in recent years will continue in Moscow. Zenit, which historically has the best record against CSKA in the League, won the last regular season 3-1. The St. Petersburg team started with a loss but then won 3 consecutive games. This did not help the St. Petersburg team in the Playoffs. The rivals faced in Finals, where CSKA won 4-2.
In September, the Moscow team defeated Zenit in the SuperCup 2026 final. The first official game in the new season immediately became a classic. On October 12 in St. Petersburg, CSKA snatched win with Anton Astapkovich shot in the final seconds – 85:84. On November 23, there was another tense battle in Moscow, and again the Moscow team win – 93:88. The rivalry history score after that – 39-23, the Moscow team leads.
Power balance
On Wednesday, CSKA nearly lost an 18-point lead in a home game against Uralmash, but still extended winning streak to 13 with Casper Ware amazing three-pointer. The Moscow team continued its battle with UNICS for the lead in the standings – the two best teams in the regular season are currently tied (20-2), with the Moscow team ahead of its Kazan team due to a better goal difference.
Zenit is unlikely to get involved in this battle. The St. Petersburg team is fighting for 3rd place, with Lokomotiv Kuban (15-8) and BETCITY PARMA (14-8). Right now, the team is experiencing its second decrease during the regular season (in the fall, there was an epidemic of injuries, which led to the signing of Luka Samanic and Noah Vonleh). On November 20, Zenit announced the dismissal of head coach Aleksander Sekulic. His place was initially taken by assistant Maksim Uchaykin. Right before WINLINE Game of the Week, Zenit announced the signing of Rostislav Vergun to the coaching staff, who will become an assistant and will temporarily perform the duties of head coach.
The media reports that the League’s vice-champion has entered the market with the aim of signing a new coach.
Momentum
The parting with Sekulic followed losses to Pari NN and Lokomotiv Kuban. In the first game with Uchaykin, Zenit responded with the win over MBA-MAI. The St. Petersburg team only managed to beat the Moscow team in the fourth quarter. According to Luka Samanic, after the change in the coaching staff, the players held a short meeting and agreed to play “as hard as possible” and “give 100%” in Moscow. Vladislav Emchenko noted that the game was important for the team’s “psychologically” and described the team’s reaction as “correct”.
New signings
On Friday, Zenit announced the signing of center Ismael Bako, who previously played 2 seasons for UNICS.
His average stats last season – 9.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.
Lesson
CSKA head coach Andreas Pistiolis was harsh in his assessment of the team’s performance in certain segments of the game against Uralmash.
“We played softly and practically gave up, which is unworthy of players who wear CSKA jerseys. I hope we learn our lesson.”
The Greek coach’s words are aimed at motivating his players, who are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain concentration during a long winning streak.
Stats
Zenit has beaten the Moscow team more often than any other team in the VTB League – 23 wins.
CSKA has the best scoring player – Melo Trimble has 24.4 on average.
CSKA (92.1 points) and Zenit (88.4) lead the League in scoring.
CSKA ranks first in field goal percentage (49.6), assists (38.5) and rebounds (38.5).
Zenit has less turnovers in the League, averaging 11.2 per game.
