Russia round-up: CSKA return to summit

PFC CSKA Moskva are back on top as the Russian Premier-Liga enters its final stages after narrowly beating FC Uralan Elista on Sunday.

Top of the charts
The 2-1 victory came as both Rolan Gussev and Dmitri Kirichenko hit their 14th league goals of the season to go joint top of the scoring charts with FC Zenit St.Petersburg’s Alexander Kerzhakov in a match in which all goals came in the first half. Uralan, however, opened the scoring when Sergey Semochko struck inside a minute before Gussev equalised from the penalty spot on 13 minutes and Kirichenko grabbed the winner.

Spartak on song
On Saturday, third-placed FC Spartak Moskva brushed aside SC Rotor Volgograd 3-0 to guarantee themselves at least a top-three finish and keep their title hopes alive, Alexander Danishevskiy striking twice and Alexander Sonin adding another goal in a confident display by the defending champions.

Tarkhanov shocked
Last-placed FC Sokol Saratov shocked FC Krylya Sovetov Samara, in sixth, with a 1-0 win as Magomed Adiyev struck the only goal on 23 minutes, a result which prompted coach Alexander Tarkhanov to offer a resignation that was rejected by chairman German Tkachenko.

Torpedo win
Elsewhere, FC Rostselmash Rostov-Na-Donu held FC Dinamo Moskva to a 1-1 draw and FC Shinnik Yaroslavl's match against FC Zenit St.Petersburg ended in the same scoreline. FC Anzhi Makhachkala and FC Saturn Moskovaskaya Oblast also drew 1-1, while FC Torpedo Moskva beat FC Alania Vladikavkaz 2-0, with Alexander Shirko and Beslan Ajinjal on target.