Zenit couldn’t cope with Celtic Park atmosphere says Mammana

Zenit St Petersburg defender Emanuel Mammana has revealed how the Russian side struggled to come to terms with the atmosphere at Celtic Park.

According to a report from the Evening Times, Mammana explained how the pressure got the better of them during the first leg of the tie.

It was a very difficult match for us. There were several reasons for this – not least because of the pressure we were under in their stadium. Now we have to work hard in Rome and make up for our display this week.

We have watched the video against Celtic. Right from the start of the game, we made mistakes and Celtic put us under pressure.

Callum McGregor scored a late goal to give Brendan Rodgers’ men the advantage going into the second leg.

Despite being overriding favourites to go through, Zenit were unable to stamp a mark on the game in Scotland.

The report suggests that the result did not go down well in Russia, with a lot expected of Zenit in the second leg.

The two sides meet in Russia on Thursday night with plenty left to play for.

Roberto Mancini’s men have prepared for the game by enduring a training camp in Rome ahead of the crucial Europa League clash.