Eremenko clinches maiden Russian Cup win for Rubin

A solitary goal by Roman Eremenko helped FC Rubin Kazan complete their first ever Russian Cup victory at the expense of FC Dinamo Moskva in Ekaterinburg.

Though Rubin dominated the match they had to wait until the 78th minute before Finnish international Eremenko produced a fine curling effort from distance to decide the contest.

With both sides at full strength Dinamo made much of the early running, and might have taken the lead when Zvjezdan Misimović fired straight at goalkeeper Sergei Ryzhikov. Rubin soon began to take control, however, and Dinamo were fortunate not to fall behind when Eremenko hit the post from just three metres out.

Dinamo squandered another scoring chance through Kevin Kuranyi midway the second half, but Rubin were the better side going forward, with Eremenko a constant thorn in the capital club's side. The 25-year-old tested custodian Anton Shunin with a fizzing shot from distance, while midfielder Bebras Natcho rattled the crossbar with another spectacular 30-metre strike.

With Dinamo tiring at the back, Eremenko finally took advantage when he was afforded enough space to unleash a long-range shot that curled beyond Shunin and into the net. Kurban Berdyev's charges held on to experience their first ever Russian Cup success and secure a UEFA Europa League berth next season.

"I want to congratulate all Rubin fans from both the Tatarstan Republic and outside of Russia," said Berdyev. "The cup was the only trophy missing to complete our domestic set and thankfully we won it. I am grateful to all the lads for their commitment  It was a real cup game and we are delighted now."