Atletico Madrid went out on to the pitch at the Petrovsky Stadium with very clear ideas: to look for the win to continue their run the continental showpiece. In this meeting, Simeone had achieved four wins out of four, which made it possible to play in the cold of St. Petersburg with the peace of mind that the homework had been done. Having already qualified as group winners, Atletico played a smart game, leaving the Russians possession without creating many chances.

Hulk had a good chance after 14 minutes but Courtois responded well. By contrast, all the red and whites, with Cristian Rodriguez in the starting line up raring to dedicate a good game and a goal to his daughter Lola, newborn before this trip to St. Petersburg. And the Uruguayan came close in the 28th minute with a one-two with Raul Garcia but the effort went out for a goal kick.

But the clearest chance came in the 45th minute from a dead ball. Gabi drew a foul in midfield resulting in Koke sending one towards Lodigin who did well in goal. It was Atleti’s best opportunity in the first half and with which it came the half time interval.

Even minutes in to the second half and Atleti broke the deadlock, Raúl García received in midfield , before setting up Adrian who scored again for the second straight game, as he did on Saturday against Getafe, and showed signs of being the player that dazzled in the Europa League in 2012.

A minute later, Raul Garcia was about to deal the final blow to Zenit but his effort hit the bar. Zenit decided to make a few changes with a double substitution bringing on Bystrov and Arshavin as they looked for the equaliser. And fortune was on their side after a cross from Smolnikov was touched by Alderweireld and turned past Courtois. Simeone decided shortly after to bring on Óliver Torres for Cristian Rodriguez and the player from Extremadura gave an assist to Raul Garcia who almost beat Lodigin but the keeper diverted it for a corner.

All square at 1-1 an Atleti stay unbeaten in the Champions League with four wins and one draw which speaks well of Atletico Madrid, whoever they play they give their best and fight for the win until the end.