UEFA Cup holders Zenit St Petersburg had the last laugh after they shocked giants and Champions League Winners Manchester United in the UEFA Super Cup on Friday.
Goals from Pavel Pogrebnyak and new boy Danny(on debut) gave Dutch coach Dick Advocaat a victory over old rival Sir Alex Ferguson, who was going to be the first manager to hold the prestigious trophy 3 times.
Fergie might have had a foreboding about the match after he was seen tripping near the dugout before the kickoff. Manchester were completely outplayed by the UEFA Cup winners who denied them any opportunity on goal and kept the ball well in Manchester's half.
Pogrebnyak, who missed the teams UEFA Cup victory over Rangers due to suspension, put Zenit in front near halftime as he headed home a flick from Igor Denisov after a well delivered ball from Domiguez.
Danny who joined the team after a 30 million Euros deal from Dynamo Moscow, doubled the lead 15 minutes later after he dodged the defence and put on a solo run to beat Van Der Sar with an unstoppable low shot.
Zenit looked sharper and fitter, as they had already played 19 games in the Russian league, compared to United's 2 in the Premier league. Arshavin came on in the second half to help control Zenit's lead.
United finally pulled back in the 77th minute after defender Vidic gave United fans something to cheer about. But as Zenit were playing at home, and also in front of Roman Abrahamovich, they held on to win the Super Cup.
Paul Scholes was sent off in the 89th minute, when he received his second yellow card for scoring a goal with his hand.
Zenit created many chances, with a few freekicks and missed headers, but deservedly won the match. Apart from a scuffed Rooney chace, United could not do anything to change the outcome of the match.
Zenit coach Advocaat was delighted with the free flowing football of his team and felt that they deserved this victory.
Highlights compiled by blizzard!
Original Video- More videos at TinyPic
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