Russia round-up: Down to the wire for Lokomotiv

FC Lokomotiv Moskva set up a dramatic climax in the Russian Premier League by defeating FC Zenit St. Peterburg.

Level on points
With just the final round of matches remaining, Lokomotiv are now level on 63 points with city rivals PFC CSKA Moskva, who edged out former champions FC Spartak Moskva 2-1 in a fiercely contested encounter played in a snowstorm on Saturday.

Spartak third
Spartak, who have won nine Russian titles in the past 10 years - including six in a row since 1996 - will finish in third place as they have 55 points with one game remaining.

Yevseyev double
Lokomotiv, bidding to win their first ever title in their 67-year history, went ahead in the 29th minute after Yevseyev knocked in a rebound after Zenit keeper Vyacheslav Malafeyev dropped a cross, doubling the lead just before the interval. Zenit winger Alexander Spivak pulled one back with an 81st minute penalty, but Lokomotiv held on for victory.

Bazayev winner
Elsewhere, Georgy Bazayev scored with five minutes remaining to give FC Alania Vladikavkaza 1-0 win at bottom-of-the-table FC Anzhi Makhachkala, moving the 1995 champions, on 30 points, out of the relegation zone.

Maslov leveller
FC Sokol Saratovkept their survival hopes alive with a 1-1 draw at FC Rostselmash Rostov-Na-Donu. Artem Cheliadinsky hit the crucial goal in the 25th minute but Alexander Maslov grabbed a leveller to deny them an important three points.

Must-win game
Sokol must win their final game at home against FC Shinnik Yaroslavl and hope that FC Torpedo-ZIL Moskva, who were beaten 2-0 by next week's opponents, lose against Rostselmash next week in order to avoid the drop.

Honours shared
Honours were shared in the Moscow derby between FC Torpedo Moskva and FC Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast. Alexander Shirko levelled for Torpedo after Sergei Rogachev had put the
hosts ahead.

Borzenkov on target
Albert Borzenkov struck twice as Rotor Volgograd sank FC Uralan Elista 2-0 on home turf, while Krylia Sovetov were held to a goalless draw by FC Dinamo Moskva.

Next week
CSKA travel to FC Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast next Sunday while Lokomotiv go to Dinamo to decide the championship.