Russia round-up: Saturn close the gap

Pavlovic decisive
Argentinian striker Nicolas Pavlovic scored the only goal against Spartak, who were visibly tired after their recent victory in the Russian Cup final. Meanwhile, CSKA were held to a 2-2 draw away to bottom side FC Uralan Elista.

Late equaliser
The league leaders were twice forced to come from behind to earn a draw, as Denis Kolodin opened the scoring for the home side with a 25-metre shot. Jiri Jarošik equalised almost immediately, only for Zurab Tsiklauri to restore Uralan's advantage. The home side seemed to be on course for a second league win, but Dmitri Kirichenko's goal three minutes from time gave CSKA a draw.

Dramatic victory
Third-placed FC Dinamo Moskva stayed in touch with the leaders with a dramatic 3-2 win against FC Chernomorets Krasnodarskiy Kray. Dinamo's Erik Korchagin and Oleg Terekhin of Chernomorets both scored twice, before Deividas Cesnauskis collected a pass from Ognien Koroman to score what proved to be the winning goal.

Two-goal wins
Elsewhere, defending champions FC Lokomotiv Moskva won 2-0 away to SC Rotor Volgograd thanks to goals from Winston Parks and Dmitri Loskov, while FC Torpedo Moskva defeated FC Spartak-Alania Vladikavkaz by the same scoreline, with Alexander Shirko and Maxim Aristarkhov both on target.

Resounding success
In the other games, FC Rubin Kazan celebrated a comfortable 5-0 victory against FC Rostov, with Denis Boyarintsev scoring twice and David Chaladze, Andres Skotty and Tomas Cizek once each. FC Shinnik Yaroslavl defeated FC Krylya Sovetov Samara 2-0 and FC Zenit St. Peterburg recorded a 3-0 victory at home to FC Torpedo-Metallurg Moskva.