CSKA celebrating Russian title

PFC CSKA Moskva have reclaimed the Russian title with a game to spare after a 4-0 victory at FC Luch-Energia Vladivostok.

Vágner Love the hero
Brazil striker Vágner Love was the hero with a hat-trick, while compatriot Daniel Carvalho had got the ball rolling. In all, Valeri Gazzaev's men turned in an accomplished perfomance, despite the absence of key centre-back Sergei Ignashevich and forward Ivica Olić. CSKA took the lead on 16 minutes through Carvalho's header before Vágner Love took over. His first came on 26 minutes with a delicate lob, before adding two more after the break with both assists coming from another Brazilian, Dudu.

Satisfying
Igor Akinfeev was another in terrific form and the goalkeeper could not hide his delight at securing a third title in four seasons with CSKA, particularly as he was still jetlagged after returning from international duty with Russia. "The first title might be the most satisfying, but the second and the third are just as good," he said. "The game went very well for us. We took our chances and could have scored more. It's also good that we didn't concede any goals."

Spartak second
FC Spartak Moskva, who needed a win and CSKA to slip up to have a chance of the title, have confirmed second spot, and will have the consolation of the UEFA Champions League to look forward to after the 4-3 victory at FC Rostov. Elsewhere, FC Lokomotiv Moskva took a major step towards securing third place with a 3-1 win at FC Amkar Perm, that leaves them a point ahead of FC Zenit St. Petersburg who were 2-1 winners against FC Shinnik Yaroslavl. The league season will conclude on Sunday week.