Russia round-up: CSKA extend lead

PFC CSKA Moskva opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Russian Premier-Liga following their 2-0 away victory over FC Krylya Sovetov Samara.
 
Fine run
CSKA continued their recent fine run of form with a confident performance in the Metallurg stadium and are already moving clear of their nearest challengers after just eleven matches of the season. CSKA were forced to field the 17-year-old Igor Akinfeev in goal after Russian international Veniamin Mandrykin was sidelined by a fever ahead of the game.

Excellent debut
Akinfeev excelled on his debut, and denied Krylya Sovetov from the penalty spot in the dying seconds of a thrilling encounter. At the other end, CSKA only created two clear-cut chances, with Bogdan Shershun and Jirí Jarosík scoring the vital goals from them.

Dinamo second
FC Dinamo Moskva moved into second place after leapfrogging FC Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast with a 3-1 victory over SC Rotor Volgograd. Valeri Esipov opened the scoring for Saturn early in the game, but Vitali Grishin scored twice and Dmitri Bulykin added another goal in a glorious comeback by the hosts. Saturn, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw by defending champions FC Lokomotiv Moskva, who are currently only 13th in the league.

Surprise for Spartak
Elsewhere, Czech Republic defender Jirí Novotny scored a decisive added-time goal as Premier-Liga newcomers FC Rubin Kazan shocked FC Spartak Moskva 1-0, while FC Uralan Elista recorded their first win of the season against FC Zenit St. Peterburg, the only goal courtesy of Rusla Adzhindzhal. 

Rediscovered top form
FC Shinnik Yaroslavl drew 1-1 with FC Torpedo Moskva, and FC Chernomorets Krasnodarskiy Kray were held 2-2 by FC Rostov. FC Torpedo-Metallurg Moskva seem to rediscovered their top form, running out 3-1 winners aainst FC Spartak-Alania Vladikavkaz at home.