Football: Rubin boost title hopes

25 October, 2008, 19:38

Kazan’s Rubin are showing no sign of letting their title hopes slip after winning 3-0 at home to Krylya Sovyetov, while struggling Khimki and Shinnik both got vital wins.

Rubin Kazan 3 Krylya Sovyetov Samara 0

Rubin took control of the game right from the off and even having their first goal ruled offside did nothing to slow their progress.

Christian Ansaldi sliced open Krylya's defence to get things going for real 34 minutes in. A second-half left-foot shot from Aleksandr Bukharov and a free-kick by Christian Noboa gave Rubin a 3-0 win.

It stretched their lead to 10 points with second-placed CSKA Moscow not in action until Monday- when they take on Dynamo Moscow.

Khimki Moscow Region 3 Luch-Energia Vladivostok 1

It was a good first half for Luch Energia as Brazilian defender Leandro lobbed the ball into the net to put the visitors ahead at Khimki.

But the home side turned things around after the break, with Egor Titov launching the comeback.

The hosts eventually pulled off a 3-1 victory to move three points clear of the relegation zone.

Shinnik Yaroslavl 2 Spartak Nalchik 1

Shinnik had the ball in the net first on 35 minutes, only for Roman Monarev's finish to be ruled offside. The replay confirmed the decision of the officials. That allowed Spartak to take advantage. David Siradze headed in at close range to make it 1-0.

The lead though would be short-lived, as straight after half-time Shinnik drew level, and in some style. Roman Monarev scored what is sure to be one of the goals of the season, with an acrobatic overhead kick.

A quick counter-attack produced Shinnik's second. Dmitry Kudryashov fired home in the 67th minute.

Spartak Moscow 3 Terek Grozny 1

Elsewhere, Spartak Moscow revived their hopes of a top three finish, after a 3-1 win over Terek.

It was an easy day for Michael Laudrup's men, against a team who have one of the worst away records in the Russian Premier League. Terek have only won once away from home this season.