Russia round-up: Lokomotiv held by Zenit

Russian Premier-Liga leaders FC Lokomotiv Moscow were held to a 1-1 draw at FC Zenit St. Petersburg today.

Izmailov opener
Marat Izmailov put Lokomotiv ahead in the 36th minute when the 19-year-old Russian international knocked in a rebound after Zenit goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeyev fumbled a long-range drive by Dmitri Loskov.

Mean defence
The 20-year-old Zenit winger Andrei Arshavin equalised two minutes into the second half. It was only the second goal Sergei Ovchinnikov, the Lokomotiv goalkeeper, had conceded in eight league matches. The 31-year-old keeper, however, is ruled out of the Russian FIFA World Cup squad after a public row with national team coach Oleg Romantsev.

Nizhegorodov dismissed
Lokomotiv were reduced to ten men midway through the second half after full-back Gennadi Nizhegorodov was sent off for his second yellow card following a foul on Aleksandr Kerzhakov. The capital club were lucky to escape with a point and remain the only unbeaten top-flight side after Kerzhakov's shot hit the post five minutes from time.

Saturn rising
Lokomotiv now have 20 points from eight matches to lead city rivals CSKA Moscow by four points. FC Saturn moved into third place on 15 points following a scoreless home draw with FC Torpedo Moscow. Krylya Sovetov Samara earned a 1-0 win at Dinamo Moscow to hand the Moscow side their second consecutive defeat. Dinamo have now lost five of their eight matches, dropping to 13th place.

Spartak play Sunday
Champions FC Spartak Moscow host city rivals CSKA tomorrow in a potentially volatile derby tomorrow.