Zenit go top in Russia with victory

(GSM) – Zenit St. Petersburg moved three points clear atop the Russian Premier League on Thursday with a 3-1 win over Spartak Nalchik, who drop to second. Elsewhere, Rubin Kazan scored a 1-0 home win while CSKA Moscow lost by the same score at Rostov.

Zenit and Nalchik came into the day level on 18 points, and the match seemed headed for a stalemate.

But in the 65th minute, Vladimir Bystrov broke the deadlock with his third goal of the season to put Zenit 1-0 to the good.

Six minutes later, Roman Shirokov doubled the advantage from the penalty spot, and Danny’s goal in the 75th minute quickly had it 3-0 in favor of the home side.

Nalchik pulled one back through Nikita Malyarov in stoppage time, but it was far too little too late.

CSKA Moscow remained in third place despite their loss on the road.

The defense did well for much of the game, but they cracked in the 67th minute when Mersudin Ahmetovic broke through for the only goal.

Rostov now sit sixth after ending a run of consecutive losses.

Rubin Kazan are up to fourth through nine rounds after edging Siberian side Sibir Novosibirsk at home.

The reigning champions needed only a 51st-minute goal from Christian Noboa to grab three points from the promoted side, who sit bottom of the table on four points.