Rubin Kazan Retain Lead In Russia

By Alan
Soccer City

Rubin Kazan, the surprise package of the Russian Premier League season, comprehensively beat reigning champions Zenit St. Petersburg 4-1 to defend their position at the top of the table. The scoreline not only signifies Zenit's struggle since their heroics in the UEFA Cup last season, but also Rubin Kazan's sudden elevation to potential champions. Kazan finished 10th in the Russia's domestic league last time around while Zenit won the title for the first time in their history.

Kazan took the lead after only eight minutes through Bukharov and former Tottenham Serhiy Rebrov doubled the advantage shortly after. Fellow Ukranian Anatoliy Tymoschuk salvaged a goal back for Zenit from a penalty but the hosts strengthened their lead through Bukharov's second goal of the match and the victory was rounded off by Kobenko.

Dick Advocaat's problems did not finish there as the match also saw two of their players sent off and the defeat was only days after their shock exit from the Russian Cup at the hands of lower league opposition. Sibir Novosibirsk, who play in Russia's second flight, produced the shock of the round by beating Zenit 1-0. Zenit will be hoping for better fortunes in the UEFA Champions League where they enter at the Group Stages.

Elsewhere in Russia, CSKA Moscow beat Saturn Mosk Oblast 4-0 with Vagnar Love scoring twice. CSKA Moscow consequently moved up to 6th while Dinamo Moscow and Amkar Perm switched positions to 2nd and 3rd respectively.