In an exciting context not short of controversy, Spartak came from behind to defeat bitter rivals Zenit Saint Petersburg 3-2 at Petrovski Stadion in match-day forty-three of the Sogaz Championship of Russia. With the result, the Red-Whites pull level with CSKA in points at the second spot in the table before the extended campaign concludes next week against Lokomotiv.

Coming off last weeks draw with Dynamo, Spartak manager Valeriy Karpin made four changes to his starting eleven with Marek Suchý, Sergei Bryzgalov, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Dmitri Kombarov entering for Nicolás Pareja, Alexsandr Zotov, Yevgeni Makeev and Rafael Carioca. Excluding a close range effort from Zenit’s Roman Shirokov that rasped off the underside of the cross-bar before bounding to safety, the opening forty-five minutes are best described as “measured” as neither side was willing to press forward, lest be exposed at the back. Much to the dismay of Spartak’s loyal fans who made the trip north, Zenit took the lead at the mid-point of the half via a quick assault that saw Aleksandr Kerzhakov redirect a brilliant lofted volleyed cross from the left into the net.

At the restart Mr. Karpin summoned Rafael Carioca for Ari but complexion of the match changed little as played was resigned to a box to box affair. However with twenty-minutes remaining play shifted into high gear as Emmanuel Emenike made a brilliant surging run towards the right by-line to deliver a cross that Diniyar Bilyaletdinov collected before lashing into the net. With the match quickly turning into a wide open attack, Zenit narrowly missed taking the lead eight minutes later when Viktor Fayzulin spooned an effort over the bar from twelve metres with open goal beckoning. At the eighty-second minute Sergei Semak restored Zenit’s lead as he connected from the spot after referee Vladimir Kazmenko controversially adjudged Dmitri Kombarov for pulling down Viktor Fayzulin in the area. Down by one the Red-Whites shifted into top gear to level two minutes later as Aiden McGeady’s cross from the right into the box bounded to Emmanuel Emenike who then dutifully smashed a left-footed effort past Vyacheslav Malafeev. However in a refereeing decision that is in need of review, Vladimir Kazmenko wrongfully handed Emmanuel Emenike a red-card for his celebration and forced Spartak to play a personnel disadvantage in remaining time. Despite the disadvantage the Red-Whites snatched a 3-2 victory at the eighty-ninth minute as a quick counter on the left lead by Dmitri Kombarov saw the ball played into Artem Dzyuba, who then teed up Rafeal Carioca to rifle into the net.

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Spartak Moscow impassioned comeback fell short as they lost 2-1 to Zenit Saint Petersburg at Luzhniki Stadion in match-day thirty-seven of the Sogaz Championship of Russia. The result leaves the Red-Whites fourth in the table, whilst Zenit at the top spot is now nine points ahead of CSKA.

Coming off last weeks flourishing win over Dynamo, Spartak manager Valeriy Karpin made three changes to his line-up with Marek Suchý, nineteen year-old Sergei Bryzgalov and Evgeni Makeev for Marcos Rojo, Sergei Parshivlyuk and Kirill Kombarov. With tensions high in the bitter rivalry each step was not left unchallenged and after early probing effort from Spartak, Andriy Dykan made a stunning double stop on Vladimir Bystrov after the mercurial winger had been played through on the right side of the area. Quick on the counter, Spartak immediately pressed forward with Ari sliding the ball to Emmanuel Emenike but his effort from an acute angle on the right came up for naught. At the tenth minute Zenit broke the deadlock with an innocuous looking advance that saw Sergei Semak, from just beyond the area, volley Konstantin Zyryanov’s provision from the right off the cross-bar and into the net. Down by one Spartak went in search of the leveller but chances were sparing, first with Nicolás Pareja’s free-kick skirting over the cross-bar before the thirty-seventh minute and when Artem Dzyuba latched onto a provision from the right, turned on Tomáš Hubočan only to see his effort not have sufficient purchase to fool Zenit goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev. Dmitri Kombarov later sent a blistering free-kick off the crossbar but without further incident Spartak went to the break with the goal deficit.

At the re-start, Mr. Karpin added Republic of Ireland international Aiden McGeady for Ari but disaster struck for Spartak some seven minutes into the half as Aleksandr Kerzhakov, played through on the right following a dubious challenge of Rafael Carioca, saw his knee drive through the face of Spatak ‘keeper Andriy Dykan. The thirty-four year old veteran shook the injury off temporarily but three minutes after the hour Zenit doubled their advantage when Aleksandr Bukharov connected from the spot after referee Maksim Layushkin adjudged Nicolás Pareja a penalty for bringing down the striker. Knowing full well his injury was something more serious as his right eye began to close from swelling, Andriy Dykan signalled to the bench with Artyom Rebrov answering the challenge. With hopes for a comeback fading, the Red-Whites mounted a formidable late challenge to which Artem Dzyuba once again showed his vast promise as brought down Nicolás Pareja deft chip provision into that area and fought off the Zenit defenders before firing the ball into the net. Momentum had swung decidedly in Spartak’s favour and in search of more attacking venom Mr. Karpin summoned Jano Ananidze for Demy de Zeeuw at the eighty-third minute. Pushing relentlessly for the much needed equaliser with five minutes remaining in regulation time Artem Dzyuba carved a high probability chance with a sumptuous cross from the right at Aiden McGeady headed a fraction wide of the far post. However that would be as close as it would get and following five minutes of added-time, the final whistle sounded with Spartak on the wrong end of a 2-1 result.

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In a statement of intent, Zenit Saint Petersburg stormed past Dynamo Moscow 5-1 at Arena Khimki in the opening contest of week thirty-five of the Sogaz Championship of Russia. With the result the defending champions stand atop the table, nine points clear of CSKA, whist Dynamo sits level in points with Spartak at the third spot.

Coming off two straight draws following the re-start from the winter break, Luciano Spalletti’s men travelled south with firm intent to find their winning ways. Wasting little time Zenit cut the Dynamo defending line to ribbons early and the contest was virtually a foregone conclusion shy of the half-hour. At the thirteenth minute Dynamo goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky (Ռոման Բերեզովսկի) was left stranded by dreadful defending as Andrei Arshavin’s corner from the left was volleyed at the back post by defender Vladimir Granat straight to Domenico Criscito with the former Genoa man heading the ball into the net. The travelling Zenit fans extended their celebration a mere thirty seconds later as Alexander Kerzhakov latched onto ball midfield before moving forward and provided a open target with no challenge in sight, sent a dipping effort from thirty metres into the net past the Armenian international goalkeeper to double the visitors advantage. The White-Blues defending continued to as an abomination as via a counter Andrei Arshavin dissected the statuesque back line to play through Sergei Semak with the veteran finishing to the opposite corner with perfection.

The re-start saw Dynamo tactician Sergei Silkin call upon Christian Noboa for Aleksandr Kokorin but much of the run of play was merely a cat and mouse affair with Zenit keeping the hosts at bay with three points clearly in sight. With eighteen minutes remaining in regulation time Kevin Kurányi pulled Dynamo to within in two with a superb header via Balázs Dzsudzsák’s free-kick from the left flank, however the goal only stoked Zenit’s ire. Adding Zvjezdan Misimović for Leandro Fernández as an extra attacker, Dynamo was filleted by the Zenit attack as Alexander Kerzhakov got past Marko Lomić and Balázs Dzsudzsák to powerfully head a cross from the left flank into the net. Only four minutes Szabolcs Huszti displayed his booming power from set-pieces with a powerful effort that rocketed through the smallest crack in the wall to the left corner of the net to add the exclamation mark in Zenit’s 5-1 demolition of Dynamo Moscow.

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The Sogaz Championship of Russia returned to play after the long winter break with an exhilarating clash between Zenit Saint Petersburg and CSKA Moscow that ended as a 2-2 draw, honours even, at Luzhniki Stadion. With the result, Zenit maintains its six point advantage at the top of the table over the Army-Men but provides Spartak an opportunity to close the gap ahead of Monday’s contest against Rubin Kazan.

With CSKA manager Leonid Slutsky forced into giving sixteen year-old goalkeeper Sergei Revyakin his debut due to injury the day started in horrific fashion as less than thirty seconds after the opening whistle Tomáš Hubočan’s long ball down the right channel found Aleksandr Kerzhakov who outraced Sergei Ignashevich before sending a low effort to the opposite side of the net for the 1-0 lead. Zenit was running roughshod over the Muscovites and narrowly missed doubling the margin at the sixth minute as Roman Shirokov nodded Aleksandr Kerzhakov’s cross from the right by-line off the back post with his follow-up effort then blocked on the line by Sergei Ignashevich. Slowly CSKA stirred awake at the seventeenth minute Alan Dzagoev levelled as his header of Keisuke Honda’s cross from the left was first denied by Vyacheslav Malafeev but he quickly shuttles the rebound into the net.

Continuing at a break-neck pace Zenit restored its advantage with a stunning display of pedigree as Tomáš Hubočan’s cross from the left was met by Aleksandr Kerzhakov with a looping volley from the edge of the area to the top corner of Sergei Revyakin’s net. With Danko Lazović now in for Andrey Arshavin, with the latter having a modest re-start since returning to Saint Petersburg, Zenit continued to probe but with twenty-two minutes remaining in regulation time Nigerian international Ahmed Musa put his name on the marquee with his debut for CSKA. A recent addition from VVV of the Eredivisie, the nineteen year-old virtuoso is a threat to score at every touch and true to form on quick assault accepted the ball from Keisuke Honda and from the right side of the area sent a piercing effort through the narrowest of spaces to the near bottom corner of the net. Pace continued at a frantic through the balance of time but after a brilliant clearance from Vasili Berezutski to thwart a sure goal by Zenit the match concluded as a 2-2 draw, honours even.

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In the opening contest of Sunday of match-day twenty-eight of the Sogaz Championship of Russia, defending champions Zenit Saint Petersburg defeated host Rostov 3-1.

Zenit wasted little time in their attack as nine minutes after the opening whistle Danny latched onto a sumptuous back heel on the left edge of the area before surging forward and driving the ball to the opposite corner of the net. Only six minutes later match day referee Timur Arslanbekov adjudged Igor Smolnikov a penalty, albeit a highly questionable decision, for bringing down Aleksandr Bukharov in the area with Aleksandar Luković converting for the subsequent effort. Two minutes past the half-hour Zenit strangled off their hosts hopes as Aleksandr Bukharov nodded a long left wing cross past Rostov ‘keeper Anton Kochenkov who had entered earlier for an injured Stipe Pletikosa.

Four minutes after the re-start Héctor Bracamonte pulled one back for Rostov with a sublime chip from the right side of the area but that would be as close as it would get as Zenit claimed the 3-1 result.

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In the final contest of Saturday in match-day twenty-seven of the Sogaz Championship of Russia, the attacking battle between Zenit Saint Petersburg and Dynamo Moscow at Petroski Stadion failed to materialize with the contest playing out to a nil draw.

Zenit had opportunity to strike first with Aleksandr Bukharov racing onto a long ball on the left channel but his effort soared harmlessly over the bar. Young gun Aleksandr Kokorin then tested Zenit ‘keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev with a blistering free-kick but the veteran was up to the challenge.

After the break Vyacheslav Malafeev maintained the deadlock with a stop of Igor Semshov from ten-metres after the thirty-three year-old attacking midfielder was played through on the right with a sumptuous provision from Andriy Voronin. Following that brief advance neither side was able to muster the attacking vision and the match concluded as a scoreless draw.

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In a contest that will be remember for both highly controversial referee decisions and Spartak Moscow’s valiant comeback, the Red-Whites played Zenit Saint Petersburg to a 2-2 draw, honours even, at Luzhniki Stadion in match-day twenty-sixth of the Sogaz Champsionship of Russia.

From the victory over Krasnodar, Spartak manager Valeriy Karpin made one adjustment to this starting eleven as he summoned Nicolás Pareja for Marcos Rojo. From the opening whistle it was abundantly clear that the Red-Whites entered the day with three-days in their sites and showed no fear against Zenit that had plundered opposition nets for nineteen goals in the last five league encounters. Barely a minute into the affair, Nicolás Pareja came with a fraction of breaking the deadlock as his snap dipping free-kick on the edge of the area forced Zenit ‘keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev to stretch out to deny. The effort, though not making it into the net, was a statement of the day as Spartak continued to press forward for the opener. Six minutes later Artem Dzyuba shifted the ball towards the right by-line for Aiden McGeady who then delivered a tantalizing cross into the box that was partially cleared onto the path of Demy de Zeeuw but the Dutch international failed to connect on his volley. Chances were coming quickly as the Red-Whites pushed forward and Artem Dzyuba failed to connect on the quarter-hour Spartak broke the deadlock midway of the half. Started on the right Aiden McGeady and Artem Dzyuba linked the ball to Demy de Zeeuw outside of the area with Emmanuel Emenike positioning himself to split the Zenit defenders. With composure Demy de Zeeuw delivered a well weighted ball for the Emmanuel Emenike and in the attempt to clear Aleksandr Anyukov nudged it enough to move into his own net past goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev. Zenit was showing little going forward but made Spartak pay for their first defending error as one a quick counter Danny played well off the ball on the left before receiving a defence splitting provision from Aleksandr Kerzhakov on the opposite side of the pitch and quickly sent the leveller past Andriy Dykan. While the level score was not indicative of the Red-Whites play up to that moment, three minutes later match-day referee Vladimir Kazmenko put his stamp on the contest as he handed Nicolás Pareja a straight red-card on an altercation with Aleksandr Kerzhakov that seemed more opera than venom.

Playing with man disadvantage Mr. Karpin adjusted his line-up at the re-start with the highly promising Sergei Bryzgalov entering for Artem Dzyuba but within a minute Zenit grabbed the lead. Via a quick assault on the left, Roman Shirokov delivered a low cross that Aleksandr Kerzhakov volleyed into the net. Down by one along with the personnel disadvantage, Spartak was backed into the corner and the situation was far from how the day began. The tide had clearly turned with Zenit posting a series of notable efforts but came up for naught. In the hunt for the equalizer the Red-White tactician ushered Welliton for Demy de Zeeuw four minutes shy of the hour but still Zenit pressed for the insurance marker. Through a stunning series of stops, including a sumptuous stop on Aleksandr Kerzhakov at the seventy-seventh minute, Spartak goalkeeper Andriy Dykan maintained the one-goal differential and laid the groundwork for the late heroics. With Aleksandr Sheshukov the final substitution of the day, entering for Sergei Bryzgalov with seventeen minutes remaining in regulation time, the Red-Whites continued their search for the much needed goal and not long thereafter the heroic spotlight shone brightly on Welliton. Seizing the opportunity with a loose ball on the right side of the area, Aiden McGeady slid a low provision that Welliton slammed with a perfunctory point into the net from ten metres. As the contest ticked down without further incident the day concluded as a 2-2 draw, honours even.

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Courtesy of a two-goal performance from Danny, defending champions Zenit Saint Petersburg came from behind to defeat host Rubin Kazan 3-2 in match day twenty-four of the Sogaz Championship of Russia.

Rubin enjoyed a dream start as seven minutes into the affair match day referee Sergei Karasev pointed to the spot with Bebars Natcho dutifully scoring in the ensuing effort. Kurban Berdyev’s side continued their quick start and at the twenty-third minute Belarusian international Sergey Kisliak delivered a superb volleyed rebound from outside the area, though Zenit complained the ‘keeper Viacheslav Malafeev was injured with a high boot from Vladimir Dyadyun in the initial effort. Just over four minutes later Roman Shirokov pulled Zenit to within one as he snuck to the back post to volley Danko Lazović’s long free kick from the left into the roof of the net.

At the break, Zenit manager Luciano Spalletti summoned Yuri Zhevnov in for the injured Viacheslav Malafeev along with Aleksandr Bukharov for Danko Lazović as they searched for the leveller. Only five minutes after the re-start, Aleksandr Bukharov charged down the right and linked the ball to Danny with the Portuguese international ploughing into the left side of the area before scoring from eight metres. Eight minutes past the hour coming on a quick counter Danny stormed down the centre of the pitch and after playing a smooth one-two with Aleksandr Kerzhakov scoring his eighth goal of the campaign to give Zenit Saint Petersburg the 3-2 victory.

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In an exhilarating contest of match day twenty-three of the Sogaz Championship of Russia, Lokomotiv Moscow came from behind to defeat defending champions Zenit Saint Petersburg 4-2.

Zenit started quickly and after seeing an early effort come up short took the lead at the eight minute when Danko Lazović sent a remarkable curling effort from twenty metres to the back of the net. After a quick response by Lokomotiv, Zenit doubled the margin at the thirty-first minute as Danny linked the ball from Viktor Fayzulin to Aleksandr Bukharov with the Russian international scoring from the edge of the area.

Quick to the draw, Lokomotiv drew a goal back less than a minute after the re-start as Denis Glushakov out-raced the Zenit defenders and ‘keeper Viacheslav Malafeev for a long ball before drawing back to Victor Obinna for the finish from the right side of the area. Continuing to show his vast predatory abilities, Felipe Caicedo notched the leveller at the sixty-second as pounced on a close range rebound of Roman Shishkin’s and set into the net. With seventeen minutes remaining in regulation Railwayman manager José Couceiro double substituted Alberto Zapater and Dmitri Sychev for Dmitri Loskov and Felipe Caicedo and it was not long until they had the go-ahead goal. Coming at the seventy-seventh minute, Roman Shishkin’s long free-kick from the left saw Zenit ‘keeper Viacheslav Malafeev race out to defend but Manuel da Costa rose to head the ball into the opening net. With three minutes remaining in regulation time, Alberto Zapater, free from Sporting, swung a corner from the left that Manuel de Costa nodded into the net to give Lokomotiv Moscow the 4-2 victory.

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In a dominating display, Zenit Saint Petersburg slaughter Krasnodar 5-0 at Petrovski Stadtion in match-day twenty-two of the Sogaz Championship of Russia.

The defending champions when in front 1-0 at the twenty-fourth minute with Aleksandr Kerzhakov striking for the first of three goals as coming on a quick counter he surged into the box to volley, from seven metres, Danny’s precision left-wing cross. Only six minutes later Danko Lazović led a fast counter of the left before playing through Danny on the left channel with the Portuguese international navigating around the goalkeeper before delivering a cross from the by-line that Aleksandr Kerzhakov turned into the open net.

Comfortably in-front by two, the floodgates opened with twelve minutes remaining in regulation time as Aleksandr Kerzhakov connected from the spot, bringing his total to thirteen goals his campaign and effectively signally the contest was fait accompli. Seven minutes later, Roman Shirokov added his name to the score-sheet with a deft right footed volley from near the spot after he ghosted behind the stoic Krasnodar defenders. As time would down, Danny was lead through on the left side of the area to which he deftly flicked the ball over the on-rushing ‘keeper as a perfunctory point in a 5-0 victory.

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