Russia round-up: Pimenov settles Moscow derby

Two second-half goals by Ruslan Pimenov gave FC Lokomotiv Moscow a 2-1 victory over city arch-rivals FC Spartak Moscow on Friday in a hard-fought derby between Russia's two leading clubs.

Baranov opener
After Belarussian international Vasili Baranov had put champions Spartak ahead midway through the first half, Pimenov struck twice in two minutes after the interval to seal the contest in Lokomotiv's favour.

Free-kick
Spartak dominated the early action and Baranov beat Lokomotiv's former Russian international goalkeeper Sergei Ovchinnikov with a well-taken free-kick in the 26th minute.

Storming back
But Lokomotiv, who have finished second behind Spartak in the standings for the last three years, were determined to gain the upper hand in a match played on a muddy pitch. They came storming back in the second half and Pimenov scored in the 58th and 60th minutes, both times after neat passes from 19-year-old Russian international Marat Izmailov.

Maminov sent off
Spartak pressed for an equaliser late in the game, but Lokomotiv held on despite being reduced to ten men after Vladimir Maminov was sent off in injury-time.

Lokomotiv go top
The come-from-behind win lifted Lokomotiv to the top of the table with ten points from four matches, while Spartak, who suffered their first defeat of the season, dropped to third on seven points, two behind CSKA Moscow. CSKA, who began the season by winning their first three games, can reclaim top spot if they beat city neighbours Dinamo Moscow in another derby on Saturday.