In this series, I review my in-ground experience throughout the campaign, this time for Zenit St Petersburg at home. It’s split into two columns, one for home games and the other for away days. I run through various topics from atmosphere to a game review and give some unique observations directly from stadiums up and down the country.
Zenit St Petersburg (H): Pre-Match Predictions
European nights at Stamford Bridge are always special, no matter the occasion. But when it’s the first group stage game as title holders, there’s always going to be an added flair. As darkness fell on West London, it was almost as if the atmosphere rose in conjunction.
Of course, the added spectacle before the game of fireworks, accompanied by the UEFA awards being presented made it truly feel special, but that wouldn’t even have been needed to excite the thousands heading to the Bridge. It’s strange to consider, but this was the first full European game at home since the 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich … how things have changed.
Regardless, this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park – despite what my prediction might lead you to believe.
‘The first thing that jumps out is the lack of Ben Chilwell again. Marcos Alonso has had a strong start, but this feels like the perfect game for Chilwell. Anyway, Lukaku is great to see on the team sheet, though I am slightly surprised Timo wasn’t selected for tonight.
As for the rest of the team, there’s not many shocks – perhaps simply the strength is more than I expected. In all honesty, Zenit St Petersburg don’t have any players that particularly worry me. Malcolm may be a concern on the wing, but I can’t see him causing too many problems.
I sense a big win tonight – 4-0 to the Blues, with perhaps an unexpected goalscorer in the mix for good measure!’
Seat Review
To mix things up, I opted for somewhere I usually don’t visit due to price limits on my behalf. Westview is the recently renovated area of the stadium, previously known as simply ‘West Upper’. The concourse has been modernised and, to Chelsea’s credit, looks very clean and welcoming.
Of course, the concourse isn’t what I was there for, and what mattered was my actual seat. That was excellent too though, as I found myself in Row 4, near the Shed End. As usual, for those unfamiliar with the stadium layout, that’s on the upper tier, opposite to the camera, on the left hand side. Easy, right?
As for the aforementioned view, I couldn’t have asked for much more. It feels almost as if you’re watching from home, but rather than being restricted by where the camera moves, it’s up to you where you look.
One moment I could be following the ball, while the next I was watching Rudiger and Azpilicueta talk to each other at the back. The only slight downside was being relatively far from the halfway line – but that’s a very minor gripe.
It may not have the atmosphere of other stands, but purely for the view, it’s got to be an 8/10. (Plus as a bonus, it’s got padded seats…)
Chelsea 1-0 Zenit St Petersburg: Game Summary
As always with European games, the pre-match formalities seemed to take an age to be completed. Once they were however, the game didn’t exactly start with lots of action.
In fact, during the first half, I would struggle to remember a single highlight if it weren’t for YouTube. If anything, it was the away side who appeared to be far more in control. They had what appeared to be a strong defensive shape, preventing Chelsea from even coming close to breaking them down.
The subpar performance was only slightly saved by the excellent atmosphere in the ground, from all sides. Regardless, the reception as the teams walked off at half time was subdued, and certainly not a resounding applause.
Things got off to a much quicker start in the second half, however. An early chance for Ziyech got the crowd making noise again, as did what happened just a couple of minutes later. Rudiger picked up the ball in his own half and, reminiscent of *that* Zouma run against Ajax, almost went and scored the goal of his life, only to fire his shot wide.
Finally, the breakthrough came with just over 20 minutes remaining in what appeared to be a frustrating stalemate. A perfect ball in from Azpilicueta came straight to Lukaku and, well, you know the rest. The Belgian duly dispatched, much to supporters’ relief more than anything.
From that point onwards it was mostly under control, bar one heart-stopping moment 10 minutes from time as Zenit came inches from an equaliser. One final chance to wrap up the points was ironically wasted by Lukaku, but by that point it didn’t matter, with the final whistle coming not long afterwards.
Things you don’t see and hear on TV
Unfortunately, being in the West Upper, I didn’t get the full privilege of hearing all the chants on offer during the game. One I did pick up on was crowd-favourite ‘Kai Havertz is the best on earth’, but more original songs were few and far between.
That’s not to say there wasn’t an excellent atmosphere – most fans were in fine voice. I must also note the 20 or so away fans who had grouped together in the Shed Lower. They were perhaps the smallest travelling support I’ve seen at the Bridge, though they made a respectable noise considering their number.
There was an appearance of an old favourite – ‘If you’re the Champions, stand up’ – which of course had even the most low-key fans on their feet. Ironically, however, the best moments of unseen action came before the game had even begun.
First was the huge cheer that erupted at approximately 7:40pm when news filtered through of a Young Boys’ goal against a certain Manchester United. The other, and slightly more cynical moment was during the UEFA awards presentation.
During the (extremely brief) ceremony, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin was introduced to the crowd. He was met, presumably due to a general hatred of the organisation, with loud boos.
You get the sense UEFA won’t be holding finals at Stamford Bridge any time soon.
Post-Match Reaction
It may not have been a classic by any means but the general consensus post-match was unanimous. A win’s a win, and that’s what counts at this stage. Flashy performances can be hoped for later in the group stage, but three points are far more valuable currently.
Once again though, I found myself heading back to the tube station with few complaints. I’d seen another Lukaku goal, a clean sheet and an opening group stage win.
Oh, and a United loss, of course.
Written and Edited by Noah Robson (@noahrobson_)
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