The Russian Premier League kick started this weekend after a brief sigh for the international break. Now all eyes are away from Fabio Capello for now and fixed well and truly on domestic matters…
On Friday Luciano Spalletti’s Zenit suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to the hands of Terek Grozny who now climb to the top of the table after a fifth consecutive win. New high profile signings Alex Witsel and Hulk only made the bench and in the end it was Grozny’s Brazilian Almeida that made the headlines as he scored a late 85′ goal to put Grozny ahead, before Lebedenko completed the scoring in the fourth minute of injury time.
The action continued on Saturday as Lokomotiv Moskva sneaked a 1-0 home win courtesy of a Tarasov goal, assisted by Vedran Corluka. Spartak Moskva however were to be denied three points as they drew 2-2 with Kuban Krasnodar. Aiden McGeady opened the scoring before Fidler equalised. In the second half Emenike took Spartak 2-1 ahead before Ozbiliz’s 63′ goal ensured the points were shared.
For those looking for some Russian action on a day where only one English Premier League game is being played Anzhi Makhachkala are always worth a watch (14:30), whilst beforehand CSKA Moskva play host to Alaniya (12:00).
If anything it is a great excuse to point you to one of my favourite players that has ever graced the Russian Premier League. With a name like Vagner Love, a man with blue hair and Brazilian to boot he oozes quality on the pitch as he did with some style during his time at CSKA Moscow, as he has done at numerous other clubs on many a football manager save!
Tomos Llewellyn