In Moscow Derby Russian Cup semi-final for the ages, CSKA edged Spartak 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out (3-3 a.e.t) at Luzhniki Stadion. With the result, the Army-Men will face Alania Vladikavkaz, who got past Rostov 6-5 (0-0 a.e.t) in a penalty shoot-out as well, in the finals on 21 May.

From the opening whistle it was abundantly clear this would be a match that would not soon be forgotten. At the forty-second minute, CSKA took the 1-0 lead as Tomáš Necid surged into the box to head Zoran Tošić’s cross from right flank into the net. The lead did not last long as just before of the break Aiden McGeady’s cross, as surged towards the right by-line, saw Dmitry Kombarov’s volley bound high off the turf and into the far corner of the net.

Spartak took the 2-1 lead at the sixty-first minute as Dmitry Kombarov split the CSKA defenders with a perfect weighted ball on the right channel, with Ari out-racing Sergei Ignashevich before booming a low effort beyond the reach of ‘keeper Igor Akinfeev . Nine minutes later Seydou Doumbia levelled as surged to the near post to head in Keisuke Honda’s corner from the left. Spartak restored its lead four minutes later as Ibson got on the end of an attempted clearance just outside the area, sent to Aiden McGeady on the right only to see the attacker’s cross into the box nodded back to him in point blank range. After a controlling touch and contact with Igor Akinfeev that sent him to the ground, Ibson pounded the ball into the net to give one-goal advantage. However, CSKA fought back and at the eighty-second minute Vágner Love, with eight minutes remaining in regulation time, surged off the right, playing a clever dummy with Seydou Doumbia and into the area before deftly sending the ball past Andriy Dykan.

The pace continued throughout extra time, with neither side able to notch the needed goal and forcing the contest to go to the tension of a penalty shoot out. Both sides were perfect in the opening two efforts before CSKA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev claimed the heroes honours as he dove to his left and with his trailing right hand reached up to block Dmitry Kombarov’s effort from the spot. Excluding that one failed attempt both sides were perfect and in the final strike Sergei Ignashevich drove the ball into the net to book CSKA’s date in the against Alania Vladikavkaz.

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John Davies is available on his personal page on Facebook , Renegade Training™’s, as well as or Twitter.

In addition to Europa League News, John Davies writes on the “Beautiful Game” for Russian media giant Sport-Express. (Спорт-Экспресс) as well as Spartak Moscow.

Alaniya Vladikavkaz’s return to the top flight came to end as with a 1-1 draw to Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast in the final weekend the 2010 Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia campaign results in their relegation to the First Division.

Alaniya, who earned promotion after the financial collapse of FC Moscow, knew coming into the contest in Ramenskoye they had a strong chance at survival, particularly with a win. With Krylya Sovetov and Amkar Perm facing Zenit and CSKA, they could confidently predict avoiding the drop if they were able to overcome Saturn.

Twelve minutes after the opening whistle, Vladimir Shevchuk’s took the 1-0 lead as former CSKA Sofia man Ivan Ivanov volleyed in Ivan Stoyanov’s corner from the left. However, Saturn’s veteran line-up came roaring back and at the thirty-second minute Zelão, at the back post, nudged in a close range rebound of Dmitri Parfenov’s free kick that spilled out of the mitts of Alaniya ‘keeper Dmitri Homich.

After the equalizer, Alaniya showed plenty of ambition but the final touch was lacking and what advances did make it through, Saturn ‘keeper Artyom Rebrov could not be beaten. After their desperate attempts failed, the match concluded as a 1-1 draw honours even, resulting in Alaniya Vladikavkaz’s relegation.

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Alaniya Vladikavkaz kept its hopes alive of avoiding relegation as they came from behind to defeat Terek Grozny 2-1 match day twenty-nine of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia

Ismail Ediev gave Terek the 1-0 lead just before the break as he volleyed in a corner from the right after the Alaniya goalkeeper misplayed the ball.

Needing a win to desperately fall off pace of Amkar Perm, Marat Bikmoev levelled for Alaniya at the sixty-fourth minute when he re-directed Georgi Gabulov’s long, low cross from the right. With thirteen minutes remaining in regulation time, the provider turned goal scorer as Georgi Gabulov sent in a close range rebound to give Alaniya Vladikavkaz the 2-1 victory.

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In the opening contest on Saturday of matchay twenty-eight of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia host strong>Tom Tomsk played Alaniya Vladikavkaz to a 1-1 draw honours even.

Tom Tomsk manager, Valeri Nepomniachi, whose side were unconvincing in a loss to Anzhi Makhachkala jumped front only three minutes after the opening whistle after match day referee Maksim Layushkin adjudged Semion Bulgaru a penalty for pulling down Yevgeni Starikov in the area. In the ensuing effort, Artyom Dzyuba hammered the ball into the net to give the Siberians the 1-0 lead.

Notable attacking advances were rare for much of the proceeding but six minutes past the hour Alaniya notched the leveller as Georgi Gabulov, at the back post, latched onto a long free kick from the left and after creating some space fired the ball into the net from thirteen metres. For remaining time, excluding one brief advance by Tom Tomsk the match was a box-to-box affair and concluded as a 1-1 draw, honours even.

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Lokomotiv Moscow’s drive for Europe stumbled on Sunday in match day twenty-seven of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia they were held to a scoreless draw by host Alaniya Vladikavkaz.

Entering the contest, Yuriy Semin’s Railwayman were riding high with a seven match unbeaten run, dating back to 12 September contest against CSKA when Dmitri Loskov was handed the captains arm-band. Coming off last weeks victory over Anzhi Makhachkala, the Lokomotiv mastermind made two changes to his starting eleven with Rodolfo and Wágner coming in for Marko Baša and Dmitri Torbinsky, with the former under suspension.

Alaniya manager Vladimir Shevchuk made five changes to his line-up that was decimated by Zenit last week with Dmitri Homich replacing Mihail Kerzhakov between the woodwork, with Ibrahim Gnanou Gheorghe Florescu, Aleksandr Marenich and Georgiy Gogichaev coming in for Semion Bulgaru, Ivan Stoyanov, Marat Bikmoev and Georgi Gabulov.

After an uneventful start, match-day referee Eduard Maliy adjudged Ján Ďurica a penalty, as well as a red-card as he pulled down Eidar Nizamutdinov as he launched into area. In the resulting effort, Gheorghe Florescu was too cute from the spot and sent to ball well wide left of the woodwork. Mr. Semin quickly shifted his tactical plan with Malkhaz Asatiani entering for Dmitri Tarasov as Lokomotiv tried to deflect Alaniya’s advances. While Alaniya saw a long distance effort, rasp of the Lokomotiv woodwork, chances were at a premium and the match concluded as a nil draw.

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Champion elect Zenit Saint Petersburg returned to their winning ways on Sunday in match day twenty-six of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia as they devoured Alaniya Vladikavkaz 3-0 in front of the faithful at Petrovsky Stadion.

After seeing their hopes for an undefeated campaign come to an end against Spartak Moscow on Wednesday, Luciano Spalletti made two changes to his starting eleven with Aleksandar Luković and Danko Lazović coming in for an injured Tomáš Hubočan and Igor Denisov, out due to suspension.

Alaniya manager Vladimir Shevchuk, who saw his relegation threatened side play Dynamo Moscow to a scoreless draw last week, made three changes to his starting eleven with Mihail Kerzhakov, Ivan Stoyanov and Eidar Nizamutdinov coming in for Dmitri Homich, Aleksandr Marenich and Georgiy Gogichaev.

In a contest that never looked in question Danko Lazović put the hosts in front 1-0 at the sixteenth minute as Aleksandr Kerzhakov teed up the ball to the former PSV man on a free kick and from just outside the area deftly chipped it into the net. Three minutes shy of the break, Aleksandr Kerzhakov lodged his eleventh goal of the campaign as he tapped the ball over the line following Vladimir Bystrov’s superb run down down the right flank before delivering a cross from the by-line across the mouth of the goal.

Seven minutes after the re-start Aleksandr Kerzhakov effectively called an end to the contest as he was played into the area on the left by Danny before sending the ball past the visiting goalkeeper. For the balance of the affair, Zenit was comfortable keeping play buttoned-down and with nary and effort on goalkeeper Yuriy Zhevnov till added-time they eased to a 3-0 victory.

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Sunday in match day twenty-six of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia features five contests starting with Tom Tomsk welcoming Amkar Perm to Siberia, with the visitors in a dire need of a win to pull from the relegation zone. Tom Tomsk’s, mid summer hopes of a spot in Europe are long gone and find themselves only five points above safety after a very disappointing autumn. The Siberian tactician is without Ilya Gultyayev but needs significantly better midfield service to striker Artyom Dzyuba if they are to be successful. Rashid Rakhimov’s Red-Blacks are two points from safety and in the midst of a three match losing streak. The Amkar tactician is without Ivan Cherenchikov to suspension and in need of Georgi Peev to push them out of the drop zone with their first win on the road this year.

Spartak Nalchik travel to Chechnya to face Terek Grozny as they continue their hunt for a spot in Europe. Nalchik are now level in points with Lokomotiv at the fifth spot and were highly fortunate in their victory over Tom Tomsk last week via David Siradze last gasp goal. Anatoly Baidachny’s Terek side are without Héctor Bracamonte and need to solve their attacking woes that has only produced two goals in the last five contests.

The Petrovsky faithful welcome Alaniya Vladikavkaz as Zenit Saint Petersburg’s look to find their winning ways after seeing their hopes for an undefeated campaign come to an end against Spartak Moscow on Wednesday. Luciano Spalletti’s side looked to be cruising to the championship but have stumbled with only two points in the last three encounters. Zenit will miss Igor Denisov due to suspension and also must consider a short week as they visit Hadjuk Split in the Europa League on Thursday. Alaniya was impressive in holding Dinamo to a nil draw last week and will need to summon the same courage against Zenit give they are separated by only two points with Amkar Perm and the relegation zone.

Yuriy Semin’s Lokomotiv Moscow continue their charge to Europe as they visit Anzhi Makhachkala. The Railwayman are one of the great stories of the present year as Dmitri Loskov is enjoying a renaissance in his legendary career and has helped push Lokomotiv level with Nalchik at the fifth spot. Mr. Semin is without Rodolfo, who was red-carded late last week but otherwise has a full side available to him. Anzhi manager Gadzhi Gadzhiev celebrated his sixty-fifth birthday on Thursday and hopeful his side will reward him with the same intensity that saw them score late twice against Zenit Saint Petersburg last week to earn a draw. The Dagestan is without Ali Gadzhibekov, who is under suspension.

In the final contest of the match day twenty-six Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast welcome CSKA Moscow to nearby Ramenskoe. Coming off their air-tight 1-0 victory over Terek Grozny, Andrey Gordeev are firmly entrenched mid table and can comfortably plan for next year after a brilliant second half of the campaign pulled them from the relegation zone. CSKA enter the contest following two disappointing scoreless draws that victories would have resurrected the race for the top spot. CSKA goakeeper Igor Akinfeev has not squandered a goal in over ten hours of domestic play but the Army-Men need Alan Dzagoev and company get untracked.

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Dynamo Moscow missed a golden chance to move up the table as in match day twenty-five of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia they were held to a nil draw by host Alaniya Vladikavkaz in an extremely subdued contest.

White-Blues manager Miodrag Božović made two changes to his Dynamo Moscow line-up that overwhelmed Anzhi Makhachkala last week with Dmitri Khokhlov and young gun Aleksandr Kokorin coming in for a suspended Igor Semshov and Edgaras Česnauskis. Alaniya manager Vladimir Shevchuk, whose side are without a win in four contests, made four changes to his side that lost last week to Spartak Moskva with Dmitri Homich, Boris Rotenberg, Aslan Mazhukov and Marat Bikmoev coming in for Mihail Kerzhakov, Ibrahim Gnanou,Yuri Kirilov and Nariman Gusalov.

In a contest of few highlight’s much of the play was lacking inspiration as neither side was willing to press forward and be exposed in the counter. Chances proved sparse and of the lowest probability kind as the respective sides went to the change rooms without a score.

Ten minutes after the re-start, Alaniya posted its best opportunity as Aslan Mazhukov latched onto the partially cleared cross of Asen Hubulov and sent a booming effort from twenty metres that Dynamo ‘keeper Anton Shunin parried to safety. With nineteen minutes remaining, Ukraine international Andriy Voronin entered for Aleksandr Kokorin as Dynamo went in search of the winner. Three minutes later Vladimir Granat was gifted the ball on the left after a mix-up saw the Alaniya ‘keeper but his volley ballooned well over the bar. Following that opportunity, the match drifted with both sides seemingly willing to accept the point and without further incident ended as a nil draw.

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Colder autumn temperatures mark the final stretch run of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia as it heads to match day twenty-five this weekend with a full slate of contests.

With Zenit Saint Petersburg a virtual lock to claim the top spot the race for Europe and the bottom-half, to hold off relegation, could not be tighter. Virtually the bottom half of the table has been pulled in the relegation battle with the success of Krylya Sovetov and the others still with a gleam in their eye towards Europe. The premier match of the weekend is unquestionably Rubin Kazan’s visit of the capital to face CSKA Moscow on Sunday, which will go a long way in deciding second place.

The weekend gets underway Saturday with Spartak Moscow travelling to the chill of Siberia to face relegation threatened Sibir Novosibirsk. Igor Kriushenko’s side did well in a hard-fought draw with Krylya Sovetov last week but with six points to make up in the final weeks, they need to pull off an upset if there is any hope. Valeriy Karpin’s Krasno-belye devoured Alaniya Vladikavkaz last weekend before the mid week stumble against Chelsea in the Champions League. Mr. Karpin, who has seen his side meteorically rise to the fourth spot of the table, is dealing with a number of injury factors, including Alex who is definitely out and will likely adjust his line-up to suit the high work demands of late. Spartak must expect a challenging environment as Sibir consistently impresses in front of their home supporters and with the siege mentality of relegation, will not be shy in the attack.

Miodrag Božović’s Dynamo Moscow visit Alaniya Vladikavkaz, after their most impressive performance of the year, that a 4-0 victory over Anzhi Makhachkala. The White-Blue’s trail Nalchik by five points and has the pedigree to overtake them for a spot in next years Europa League, though they are without Igor Semshov, to suspension against Alaniya. Vladimir Shevchuk’s side are without a win in four contests, including last week’s loss to Spartak and a scant point above Amkar Perm. With Zenit Saint Petersburg on the schedule next week, Alaniya desperately needs points are they will likely find themselves in the drop zone by month end. The hosts are without Ibrahim Gnanou for the contest, due to suspension.

Coming off last week’s loss to Lokomotiv, Spartak Nalchik welcomes Tom Tomsk to Caucasus region in need of a win, lest they find their European hopes dwindle. With only one win in the last seven encounters, Yuri Krasnozhan’s have seen their hold on a Europe berth disappear and can feel the fast approaching Dynamo on their heels. Tom Tomsk manager Valeriy Nepomnyaschy is pleased to welcome back Kim Nam-Il, Dmitriy Smirnov and Fyodor Kudryashov from suspension for otherwise will put forth a bold attacking look against the visitors. Artyom Dzyuba, with eight goals this campaign, has quickly emerged as one of the most deadly young Russian strikers in the league and a constant threat.

In the final contest of day, Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast welcomes Terek Grozny to Ramenskoe, with the hosts a little too close to the relegation zone to be comfortable. The stunning late charge by Krylya Sovetov has pulled the mid table into threat and Andrey Gordeev’s veteran line-up needs to emphasize well-disciplined play in the final stages of the year, particularly as fatigue becomes an issue. Terek suffered their first home defeat of the year last week as CSKA overwhelmed them with ease. Anatoliy Baidachny’s side hopes for Europe are fading quickly and in need of a victory, will approach the contest with a more aggressive attack.

On Sunday, in match day twenty-five of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia the action gets underway with another chapter of the Lokomotiv Moscow’s remarkable turnaround as the Railwayman travel to the Ural Mountains to face Amkar Perm. Yuriy Semin’s men have rose from the ashes of the summer heat and after defeating Nalchik last week are in prime position for a European berth. The Railwayman have yet to lose since Dmitriy Loskov was handed the armband against CSKA and last week gutted out a brilliant victory, thanks to Dmitri Sychev late goal. Amkar was positively courageous last week against Zenit before match day referee Evgeniy Turbin sent off Dmitriy Belorukov and Vitaliy Fedoriv. Red-Black’s manager Rashid Rakhimov side has fallen into the drop zone with Krylya Sovetov’s success but consistently play better at home with three wins in their four most recent contests. Amkar is without the suspended duo from last week but sees key man Georgiy Peev and Ivan Cherenchikov return.

In the premier match of the weekend, defending champion Rubin Kazan face CSKA Moscow at Arena Khimki with second-place on the line. The Army-Men look to be in unstoppable form as following their defeat of Terek Grozny, they overwhelmed Palermo in the Europa League on Thursday. Trailing Rubin by two points but with an extra two contests to play, Leonid Slutsky’s side have hit top gear with a flowing attack and rock solid defending that has seen Igor Akinfeev’s goal not breached in over six hours. Rubin played Panathinaikos to a nil draw in Champions League play on Wednesday but manager Kurban Berdyev has skilfully juggled his line-up to avoid fatigue. The visitors will miss Yevgeni Balyaikin to suspension in a engaging encounter the pits the attack rich CSKA against the defensive minded Rubin.

Anzhi Makhachkala has the misfortune of welcoming Zenit Saint Petersburg, as Gadzhi Gadzhiev’s look to fight off relegation. Only a point above Amkar Perm in the drop zone, the Dagestan were run over by Dynamo last week and have not scored in their last five contests. Against the top defending unit in the league, the second worst attack will need to find inspiration to set attacker Jan Holenda but they are without midfielder Ibra Kébé who is suspended. Still undefeated, Luciano Spalletti’s side are well on their way to the championship and showing few kinks in the armour. Aleksandr Kerzhakov is in remarkable goal scoring form with six markers in the last three contests, with similar results on the European front. Zenit will approach the contest with care, knowing their hosts are in a relegation fight and will try to slow the affair down. Zenit’s only absentee is Aleksandr Anyukov who is under suspension.

In the final contest of match day twenty-five of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia, Alexandr Tarkhanov’s Krylya Sovetov continues their remarkable “great escape” as they visit Rostov. The Samaran side have climbed out of the relegation zone after seeming being rooted to their fate for much of the campaign but a series of late summer additions, including the highly promising teen Pavel Yakovlev, have turned their fortune around. Rostov’s European hopes, while not statistically ended, appear remote. Oleh Protasov’s side, once flourishing flanking attack has produced only a scant single goal in the last six matches. The Rostov tactician will miss Aleksandr Cherkes due to suspension and be looking for his side to show greater attacking volition against the Samaran’s.

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In the opening contest of match-day twenty-four of the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia, Spartak Moscow showed no mercy in defeating Alaniya Vladikavkaz 3-0 at Luzhniki Stadion. The result catapults the Krasno-belye to the fourth spot in the table, three points above Nalchik, whilst Alaniya crest on the edge of the relegation zone and await the result from Sunday’s Krylya Sovetov versus Sibir Novosibirsk contest.

In recognition of the challenging international duty this past week and Tuesday’s Champions League battle against English Premier side Chelsea, Spartak Moscow manager Valeriy Karpin made two changes to his most recent starting eleven with Ibson and Welliton returning for
Aiden McGeady and Cristian Maidana.

Alaniya manager Vladimir Shevchuk made five changes to the side that lost to Krylya Sovetov 3-2, with Aleksandr Marenich, Ivan Ivanov, Yuriy Kirilov, Georgiy Gogichaev and Nariman Gusalov coming in for Marat Bikmaev, Boris Rotenberg, Ivan Stoyanov, Aslan Mazhukov and Gheorghe Florescu.

Spartak opened strong against their defensive minded visitors and after carving out a number of advances, Ari lodged his seventh goal of the campaign at the twenty-fourth minute when he poached on the rebound on Yevgeni Makeev’s blistering drive and quickly sent the ball into the net. The Krasno-belye voracious supporters did not have to wait long for the next goal as with six minutes remaining in the half, Alex deftly curled a free kick from the right to the opposite bottom corner of the net to pull Spartak in front 2-0 at the half.

At the break, Mr. Karpin ushered in Cristian Maidana for Alex and only seven minutes later, Spartak trebled its advantage as Dmitri Kombarov surged down the left flank before sending a cross into the box that Welliton redirected in for his seventeenth goal of the campaign. Four minutes after hour, the Spartak tactician summoned Jano Ananidze for Welliton and with twelve minutes remaining added Nikola Drinčić in his first appearance of the year. Spartak narrowly missed increasing its margin after a penalty was awarded at the seventy-eighth minute but Ibson’s effort was stopped from the spot was stopped by the visiting ‘keeper. However, that one blemish aside the match was a perfect return from the break from Spartak Moscow as they claimed a 3-0 victory.

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