Spartak edge towards long-awaited Russian title
Spartak Moscow took a big step towards winning their first Russian Premier League title in 16 years after snatching a late win over Zenit on Sunday.
Spartak Moscow took a huge step towards winning their first Russian Premier League title since 2001 on Sunday after snatching a 2-1 win over third-placed Zenit St Petersburg.
Samedov sends Spatak 10 points clear
The result puts Spartak 10 points clear of city rivals CSKA Moscow, who were held to a 0-0 draw by Rostov on Saturday and 11 points in front of Zenit with seven matches to conclude the campaign.
Dutch midfielder Quincy Promes set Spartak on their way on 22 minutes at the Otkritie Arena before Artem Dzyuba pulled Zenit back level midway through the second half. Substitute Aleksandr Samedov wrapped up the three points 10 minutes from time.
Carrera pleased with Spartak attitude
“My boys produced an excellent performance against very strong opponents”, said Spartak coach Massimo Carrera. “In the second half Zenit forced us to sit back and pulled level but we were the better side tonight and we managed to score the second goal”.
Spartak, who were without injured strikers Luiz Adriano and Zé Luis, were in front when skipper Denis Glushakov chipped the ball on to the unmarked Promes who fired in an angled drive. Dzyuba finished a move which started on the left by tucking in the equaliser from close range on 66 minutes. But Promes set up the winner for Samedov as Spartak secured their first victory over Zenit since November 2013.
Other scores around Russia
Elsehwere, Lokomotiv Moscow chalked up a 3-0 away victory at Arsenal Tula to go fifth - Manuel Fernandes, Maicon and Ari were the scorers. Rubin Kazan meanwhile, suffered a 0-1 home defeat to Krasnodar.