Russia round-up: CSKA continue fine form

PFC CSKA Moscow defeated FC Krylya Sovetov Samara 2-0 on Wednesday, to continue their pursuit of leaders FC Lokomotiv Moscow.

CSKA injuries
CSKA were under strength with Andrey Solomatin, Dmitri Popov and Veniamin Mandrykin all out injured and unavailable for selection by newly-appointed Russia head coach Valeri Gazzaev.

Kramarenko debut
With Mandrykin sidelined, Azerbaijani international goalkeeper Dmitri Kramarenko made his debut for CSKA. In a poor first half, both teams struggled to find a killer touch, the only chance coming from in-form Rolan Gusev, who rattled the crossbar with a well-executed free-kick.

CSKA take advantage
After the interval, Krylya enjoyed slightly the better of the play, but CSKA took advantage of some poor defending to take the lead, Dmitri Kirichenko latching on to a cross by Deividas Shemberas.

Wave of attacks
Krylya responded with a wave of attacks, Viktor Bulatov and Dmitri Shuneiko hitting the crossbar twice, but Rolan Rusev beat Alexander Lavrentsov with a powerful long shot to seal a 2-0 for CSKA who have now collected 32 points, three less than leaders FC Lokomotiv Moscow– but CSKA have two games in hand.