Published: 5 April, 2009, 14:00
Edited: 5 April, 2009, 14:00
Zenit St. Petersburg are on top of the Russian Premier League after thrashing hosts FC Tom 3-0 in Tomsk on Sunday.
FC Tom, who surprised another season favorite CSKA by winning 1-0 in Moscow in the previous round, looked strong against St. Petersburg side Zenit, who struggled to break the hosts tight defense in the first half.
Everything changed after the break as Zenit’s rookie Fernando Meira celebrated his first goal in the Russian Premier League. The unmarked Portuguese defender knocked in a header after a corner, scoring the first goal of the game.
The guests didn’t waste any time doubling their advantage. A long range effort from Russian international Igor Denisov left keeper Sergey Pareyko no chance.
FC Tom, who were missing their top striker Macedonian Goran Maznov, couldn’t organize any counter play and conceded again. Fatih Tekke made no mistake putting the ball into an empty net after a great run from Konstantin Zyrianov, putting the game away 3-0.
The three points Zenit earned in Siberia mean they overtake Terek Grozny, who beat Dinamo 1-0 on Saturday, in the Russian Premier League table. Both teams have seven points after three games, but the Petersburg club has a better goal difference.
The team from Samara have failed become the only team with a 100% record after three games in the league after they were beaten by Lokomotiv.
Krylia, which means ‘wings’ in Russian, were flying high in the first half, leaving the Moscow side behind.
 Loko’s goal scorer Tomislav Dujmovic (L) (Image from www.fclm.ru) |
They went one ahead through Timofey Kalachev and had the opportunity to score some more, but failed to capitalize on their chances.
The guests were eventually punished for their wastefulness after the break. Lokomotiv Coach Rashid Rakhimov put Dmitry Torbinsky on the field, and with the Russian international’s help, the team gained possession.
An amazing curved shot from outside the box by defender Oleg Kuzmin made it 1-1.
Lastly, it was Torbinsky who set up the winner for his team. The midfielder’s cross from a free-kick found Tomislav Dujmovic’s head and went into the net, 2-1.
CSKA should be happy with an away draw in Perm as the Muscovites were a man down in the second half after Deividas Shemberas was sent off.
The Lithuanian international received a red card for disagreeing with referee's decision.
Amkar dominated possession since then, controlling the ball 64% of the time, but were unable to upset Army Men goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.
Spartak Moscow’s Brazilian duo gave the hosts a 2-0 win in the all-Spartak derby at Moscow’s Luzhniki stadium.
Alex broke the deadlock in the dying minutes of the first half. The Spartak Moscow midfielder curved in a free kick to put the hosts in the driving seat.
His compatriot Welliton doubled their lead four minutes after the break to give coach Michael Laudrup his first win of the season.