It’s been just over two months since UEFA's continental competitions went into winter hibernation, as we now remerge in the knockout stages with plenty to be won and lost both on and off the field. Russia’s continual disappointment in UEFA’s primary competition, the Champions League (UCL) remains a stumbling block to future escalation of the domestic game. However with a reasonable set of draws ahead of them, progression through UEFA’s B tournament, the Europa League (UEL) could eventually prove more fruitful for the Russian Premier League in the long term in their quest for a third UCL qualifying spot.
The tale of the European season so far has been a predictable one from a Russian football follower’s point of view. The RPL once again set forth their two most credible candidates for European glory, reigning champions CSKA Moscow and the super-rich Zenit St. Petersburg. As was the case last term CSKA crashed out in an arguably stronger “group of death” only showing some fruitless resilience which in the end couldn’t save them from bottom place. Zenit’s campaign mirrored their previous encounters, being placed in a pretty low key group with a bunch of similarly matched teams. Unlike last term where they scraped through without ever impressing, they got what they deserved and narrowly dropped out into the UEL thanks to a consolation third placed finish.
While Zenit choked under the pressure in a final “shoot-out” match against eventual progress’s Monaco, they at least looked to control some of their encounters. CSKA on the other hand, continually looked a pale relation to their St. Petersburg counterparts despite having the upper hand over them in the league standings the season previous. Ultra defensive tactics, aiming to snatch teams on the break were easily read and combated against routinely until CSKA were forced into a change of ethos mid-way through the campaign to delay their impending group exit. While it was only a mere spark that proved too little too late, it encourages slight hope going forward that they’ve finally awoken from their European slumber.
Europa League wise; Russia’s smaller sides have often progressed well in the group stage. Usual lightning rod Rubin Kazan failed to qualify for the first time in years so it was up to some relatively new names to take on the baton. Despite some nice performances here and there Krasnodar crashed out in an incredibly tough group but will have gained crucial experience for future European pursuits. Their efforts were even greater given the disappoint felt by fellow Russians; Rostov and Spartak Moscow who dropped out in the preliminary rounds. Rostov could’ve be forgiven, going into their debut season after surprisingly claiming the Russian Cup title last term, however it was yet another worryingly early exit for Spartak.
So, is all hope lost? Not necessarily, given the outstanding display from Dinamo Moscow. Russia always seem to produce at least one side that can run away with things in the group stage; given previous successes from Rubin and Anzhi, Dinamo took it upon themselves to resurrect Russia’s European season. Six wins from six proved dominant, including three back to back 1-0 away victories, one being over European regulars PSV Eindhoven. The true test awaits them in the knockout stages which will ask how far their inclusion can go as they are joined by Zenit in the round of 32.
Firstly it’s to be said they’ve both drawn tough but relatively favourable ties, after both were seeded in the draw, meaning that they will both have the second leg of the tie back in Russia. Zenit will travel to an already Dinamo-conquoured PSV, while Dinamo visit Belgian champions Anderlecht. Both opposition are worthy European campaigners who on their day are possible of decent performances, however recent form should suggest that the RPL outfits have it in them to come out on top.
Europa League progression of course isn’t the glamour ticket for any Russian side, spearheaded by owners attempting to make a dent in Champions League. But the further Zenit and Dinamo progress in this year’s competition, the further the RPL can possibly expand its presence in UEFA’s premier competition.
This season was billed as the year that could see the breakthrough of Russian football on the modern stage. Currently lying in 7th place in the UEFA league coefficients, the RPL had their sights set on dethroning France’s Ligue 1 ahead of them, currently in possession of the well coveted 3rd Champions League qualifying spot. A better performance across the two tournaments would’ve almost assured the RPL of that 6th place, but as you can expect it is now looking more and more unlikely as the match days pass.
It’s still doable, but of course relies on France’s remaining representatives in the UCL (PSG & Monaco) and the UEL (Guingamp) slipping up given their tough draws in the knockout phases. An early exit coupled with a finals run for one, or a solid few round progressions for both RPL representatives could swing the balance, but I speak as an optimist and am already readying myself for disappointment again.
The fact that we are even considering the RPL at a higher level than France’s Ligue 1 would seem preposterous to regular Euopean football followers. However, the case is despite Russia’s seemingly miserable few years in European football, they somehow keep racking up the coefficient points. The prospects on the face of it could turn more favourable since Zenit are now coached by a famously pro-UEL coach in Andreas Villas Boas who has won the title with Porto and gone against the media and national perception to take Tottenham Hotspur far in the competition. Alongside them, a currently unbeaten Dinamo have a greater structure and deeper squad available to them than Rubin or Anzhi ever had, and could prove to be a dangerous dark horse if they progress to the latter stages.
The one factor that will always go against them, is the lack of competitive football of late. Russia is still on its winter break, with two weeks left to run until the domestic season gets going again. By this point, Russia’s participation in Europe may have ended with another season passing in a blink of an eye. While this year looks far from likely, next year will again bring forward new hope that they can clinch another UCL spot as the downturn of Portuguese football comes into view. As Gazprom continues to fuel the UCL cause, their beloved Zenit fall by the wayside. Progression in their subsequent UEL campaign could very well be more profitable than they had once thought.
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