Russia round-up: Beschastnykh takes Spartak second

Vladimir Beschastnykh fired FC Spartak Moscow into second place in the Russian Premier-Liga after they saw off FC Zenit St. Petersburg with a 1-0 victory.

Numerous chances
Spartak had numerous chances to score in the match but had to wait until the 76th minute for Russia striker Beschastnykh to break the deadlock. His ninth goal of the season came when he capitalised on confusion in the Zenit penalty area. Spartak, on 36 points, are now just behind FC Lokomotiv Moscow at the top of the table.

Brave fightback
Elsewhere today, FC Torpedo Moscow recorded a 4-3 home victory over Kryla Sovetov Samara. Torpedo nearly threw away a commanding lead after allowing the visitors to battle back from 4-1 down but clung on to take all the points.

Goalless draw
Finally, 14th-placed FC Torpedo-ZIL Moscow were held to a goalless draw by fellow strugglers FC Alania Vladikavkaz.  On Sunday, Lokomotiv beat city rivals CSKA Moscow 1-0 to stay in first place with 39 points.