Zenit ends United Supercup Campaign with 1-2 defeat
UEFA Champions League hopefuls Zenit St. Petersburg had a disappointing end to their 2014 United Supercup campaign in Tel Aviv after a 1-2 loss to Metalist Kharkiv.
After an early goal from Axel Witsel, the Russian club enjoyed a 1-0 half-time lead over their Ukrainian opposition, but conceded two second-half goals, including a decisive 77th-minute penalty Wednesday, reports Xinhua.
The lacklustre defeat leaves Zenit with three points from three matches in the four-team round-robin tournament.
With the Russian Premier League season in the middle of its long winter break due to cold weather, Zenit are not scheduled to play another competitive match until the home leg of their round-of-16 Champions League tie with German club and 2013 Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund Feb 25.
Already massive underdogs with bookmakers, Zenit's poor showing in the United Supercup and lack of upcoming match practice leaves supporters fearing for their club's European prospects.