CSKA Moscow and FC Krasnodar, the two clubs chasing Zenit in the title race, were tied earlier (1-1) giving the chance to Villas Boas’ team to extend their lead from both; but they had to beat Kuban in Krasnodar first.
A very balanced first half with a couple of good chances from Hulk, Smolnikov for the visitors and Almeida, Popov from the hosts, were not enough for neither to open the score, leading into a goalless draw after 45 minutes.
Nothing changed in the second half- even with Rondon’s introduction- and with Shatov’s header going wide at a very close range being the only good chance, the two clubs shared a point each, leaving the top tier teams’ difference intact with six more game-days left for the SOGAZ Russian League.
Table Standings
1 Zenit 56
2 FC Krasnodar 48
3 CSKA Moscow 44
4 Dinamo Moscow 43
