CSKA comeback claims Russian Cup

PFC CSKA Moskva have claimed the Russian Cup for the third time in four years after fighting back from 2-0 down to overcome FC Amkar Perm in a penalty shoot-out at the Lokomotiv Stadium.

CSKA stunned
CSKA began brightly with Vágner Love striking the post in the 15th minute and Jô – returning after a back injury – heading Yuri Zhirkov's cross against the crossbar eight minutes later. A goal did finally arrive 12 minutes after half-time, yet it came at the other end as Nikola Drinčić put Amkar in front with an unstoppable volley from 20 metres. Seven minutes later, the Croatian Tomislav Dujmović made it 2-0 with a firm effort from the edge of the penalty area.

Rousing recovery
CSKA, bidding to win the trophy for the fourth time, swiftly regrouped and halved the deficit within a minute, Miloš Krasić causing the Amkar defence problems before the ball broke for Vágner Love to shoot into the far corner. CSKA were level shortly afterwards, Jô turning in Zhirkov's deflected cross to take the game into extra time when either side might have won it. It took penalties to separate them, however, and it was Amakr's goalscorers who failed from the spot as Drinčić shot wide and Dujmović was denied by Igor Akinfeev while CSKA converted all four of their efforts for a 4-1 spot-kick victory.