Zenit clinch fourth Russian crown

FC Zenit have secured the Russian Premier League title with two games to spare after a 1-1 draw at FC Ufa made them uncatchable.

Hulk put Zenit into a 32nd-minute lead with a brilliant free-kick and, despite Haris Handžić's late equaliser, a point was enough to clinch the title due to Zenit's superior head-to-head record with Krasnodar. The triumph is Zenit's fourth Russian Premier League title, adding to their USSR championship in 1984.

"We have to grow up and become stronger," said victorious coach André Villas-Boas. "There are big changes ahead, including ones in the squad. We have to be motivated in making progress, proving our worth on the European stage. That's why we need to change some things. Our goal is simple – to win all tournaments in which we take part."

Defending champions CSKA and Krasnodar will now fight for second spot and a place in the UEFA Champions League. The two sides currently lie level on 56 points after Krasnodar missed the chance to go clear in a 2-2 draw with FC Torpedo Moskva, the Army Men having earlier posted a 4-0 derby success against FC Spartak Moskva.