Russia round-up: CSKA set the standard

CSKA Moscow maintained their 100 per cent start to the new season on Saturday with a 2-1 win.

Own goal for Dinamo
Denis Popov's late goal proved decisive as CSKA triumphed against city rivals Dinamo Moscow. The visitors, CSKA, were ahead after just four minutes of the Moscow derby when Andrei Solomatin's low cross was turned past his own goalkeeper by Dinamo defender Kirill Novikov.

Popov on target
Martin Khiski pulled the game level after 50 minutes with a powerful header following a corner. The match looked to be heading for a draw in the closing stages until Popov broke into the area with just three minutes left and skipped past a defender before firing a powerful shot home. CSKA lead champions FC Spartak Moscow, who lost 2-1 to FC Lokomotiv Moscow on Friday, by two points.

Joy for Sokol
FC Sokol Saratov earned their first win of the season by defeating FC Anzhi Makhachkala 1-0 thanks to Alexander Cherkes' 53rd-minute goal. Anzhi are now rooted firmly at the foot of the table after four defeats out of four so far.

Saturn run rings round Krylya
FC Saturn Ramenskoye's encouraging start to the campaign continued as they moved up to third place following a 3-1 win at home to Krylia Sovetov Samara, despite going a goal behind. Lithuanian forward Robertas Poshkus put Samara ahead from close range after 22 minutes but it was all downhill for the visitors from then on with Valeri Kechinov equalising from the penalty spot just three minutes later after Andrei Movsesian had been fouled in the box. A double strike from Samir Muratovich after 44 and 57 minutes handed the home side all three points.

All square in St. Petersburg
In other matches today FC Zenit St. Peterburg and FC Torpedo Moscow shared the points in a 2-2 draw as did Uralan Elista and FC Shinnik Yaroslavl, who drew 1-1. FC Torpedo-ZIL Moscow slipped 2-0 at home to SC Rotor Volgograd while FC Alania Vladikavkaz beat FC Rostselmash Rostov-Na-Donu 2-1.