Spartak destroy cross-town rivals, keep title hopes alive
Published: 18 October, 2009, 19:19
Martin Jiranek (R), Eldar Nizamutdinov and Alex (L) of FC Spartak Moscow celebrate goal (AFP Photo / Getty Images)
In the Russian Premier League Spartak Moscow have destroyed their fellow citizens Lokomotiv to approach league leaders Rubin of Kazan to within just a point.
With just a handful of games left this season, every game is vital. Especially so for Spartak Moscow, who went into Sunday's clash with neighbors Lokomotiv four points behind leaders and reigning champions Rubin.
It was fifth-seated Lokomotiv who came up with the first attempt on goal. Spartak playmaker Alex suddenly turned into central defender to interrupt a dangerous cross and then make the home side's goalie Soslan Janaev show off with a brilliant save.
Then it was time for the visitor's Gilerme to shine, who denied a header by Martin Jiranek, but just seconds later he was helpless against Nikita Bazhenov's powerful shot, which found the crossbar.
Spartak kept on pushing hard and their persistence was fully rewarded five minutes from the break. Bazhenov broke through on the right side and passed it on to let the smallest and youngest on the pitch – Zhano Ananidze – open the scoring.
The seventeen-year-old Georgian international, who claimed his first goal for the club in the championship, kept on showing his best in the second half. He arranged another goal, cutting the railway boys defence and leaving Spartak’s best scorer Velliton one-on-one with Loko's goalie.
The Brazilian took his chance confidently to make it 2-0.
It was finally over for the visitors five minutes from time when Velliton won the ball for Quinsy, who was keen to cash it in with a defender on his shoulders. He closed the match, making it a satisfactory 3-0 for Spartak.
The Spartak victory keeps their title hopes alive, while Lokomotiv seem to be out of chase for Rubin.
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