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PREMIER LIGA WEEKEND REVIEW
Russian premier Liga is picking up speed as eight breath-taking games
took place this weekend.
Khimki Moscow region and Kuban Krasnodar were the first
to play on Saturday. The teams did not show anything worth Guus Hiddink's
attention. So Russian national side manager who had come to see the game
left long before the final whistle. Anyway Khimik supporters did not regret
coming as Andrei Tikhonov presented them their first victory in Premier
Liga, scoring the winner in the 62d minute.
Spartak Nalchik and Krylya Sovetov Samara brought even less joy to football
supporters as none of the teams managed to score. The only consolation
for fans was the fierce fight on the field.
Moskva Moscow hosted Tom Tomsk. Moskva forward Roman Adamov made a double
in the first half of the game and let Moskva gain sole possession of the
first ranking, as Moskva turned out to be the only team to win two concesutive
games at the beginning of the campaign.
CSKA Moscow could join Moskva atop the standings as Vagner Love put his
team ahead in the 62 game. The chances grew even better for CSKA as Dinamo
saw Fernandez sent off in the 77 minute. However with four minutes to
go before injury-time Dinamo equalised and shatteres CSKA hopes of gaining
three points.
Lokomotiv Moscow strived to make up for the unexpected loss of points
in the first match of the season and pounced upon Rubin Kazan on Saturday.
Lokomotiv Brazilian newcomer Rodolfo put his team ahead in the 21 minute.
Rubin however equalised soon and seemed happy to settle for a point. Not
so Lokomotiv. They managed to step up in the second half and it was another
newcomer who made a smash-and-grab for Lokomotiv.
The slugfest between FC Rostov and Zenit Saint-Petersburg was unpredictably
hard-fought. Zyryanov, Tymoschuk and Arshavin put Zenit three goals ahead.
Nonetheless Rostov did not give up the fight and had scored twice by the
82d minute. A full comeback for Rostov however remained a migh-have-been
hope only.
Saturn Ramenskoe unexpectedly suffered a home defeat from Luch-Energia
Vladivostok. Saturn dominated for long spells and did everything but scored.
Luch-Energia rarely troubled Saturn, however they were awarded a disputable
penalty, whcih was converted by Ruslan Adzhindzhal and brought them three
points.
Spartak Moscow disappointed their fans with a goalless draw in their Amkar
Perm clash. Spartak dominated on the field but gained only one point.
Moreover they saw Mozart sent off late in the game which was another disappointment
for the supporters.
Sport
Express Daily, 19 Mar 2007.
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