Spartak Moscow close on Rubin Kazan in Russian league

Rubin Kazan’s championship aspirations are at risk after the defending champions lost their second league match in a row. Spartak Moscow beat Amkar Perm and reduced the gap with the leaders to just one point.

At Lokomotiv Moscow, Rubin couldn’t deal with Peter Odemwingie who scored in the 2nd and 35th minute to give the hosts a comfortable lead. Lasha Salukvadze got one back in the 75th minute, but Rubin wouldn’t get another.

Spartak Moscow earned a 1-2 win at Amkar Perm, despite conceding a goal from Martin Kushev in the 26th minute. Williton leveled 11 minutes after the break and German Malik Fathi netted the winner in minute 71.

Zenit St Petersburg remain in third place thanks to a 2-1 win over Dinamo Moscow. Leandro Fernandez first put the guests ahead in the 44th minute but Fatih Tekke (59th) and Mateja Kezman (61st) turned things around for the 2008 UEFA Cup winners.

Rubin remain on top with 47 points, one point ahead of Spartak. Zenit follow at four points from the leaders. Six match rounds are left to play in the Russian league.