All three Russian clubs, Zenit, Spartak and Lokomotiv, were involved in crucial UEFA Cup games on Thursday but none could manage a win.

Zenit Saint Petersburg was the first in action and only achieved a draw in a home match against German side Nürnberg.

The Russian team looked better throughout the whole game. But it was the guests who opened the scoring in the middle of the first half after a dreadful mistake from host’s keeper Kamil Contofalsky.

In the second period the Zenit players continued their attacks and goals from Pogrebnyak and Ionov put them in front. But another blunder from the goalie canceled their efforts. 2-2 it ended.

Zenit now stands in second position in his group. But 5 points may not be enough for the Russian champions to qualify, so everything will be decided in the last game against Everton in Liverpool. 

Lokomotiv – København 0-1

And it was a lot worth for Lokomotiv Moscow, as they suffered a painful 1-0 home defeat to Denmark’s champions København.   

The only goal was scored from penalty in the beginning of the second half. Lokomotiv had thirty  minutes to equalize but failed to create enough chances.

Loco has just 2 points from three games and they need to win their last match against Panathinaikos to maintain a chance of qualification for playoffs.  

Sparta – Spartak 0-0

And Spartak Moscow traveled to Prague to face Sparta. The Russian silver medalists managed to secure its goals and earned an important away draw.

Spartak and Sparta are tight for first place in Group E, but the Russian side has a game in hand.