Russian football: Zenit closes the gap, as Spartak suffers a painful defeat

In Russia’s Premier League Zenit Saint Petersburg is now just two points away from first position, as Spartak Moscow goes down in Kazan.

Spartak Moscow has suffered a shocking 3-1 defeat to Rubin.

The home side took the lead after 19 minutes with Veyko Paunovich putting in a header

But  Brazilian Welliton then got an equalizer getting on the end of a cross to score his first for the Red and Whites.

However, Rubin responded with an effort from Carlos Nabor to make it 2-1. And Hasan Kabzaire put the score beyond doubt 61 minutes in.

And that pleased Zenit. Their 3-1 win over Krylia Sovietov moves them to within two points of Spartak at the top.

Earlier Tomsk won their relegation scrap with Luch Energia 3-1.

While Saturn go sixth after beating Lokomotiv 2-0 with two penalties by Kirichenko and Loskov.