Zenit Secures Victory Over Krasnodar, Intensifying Russian Premier League Title Race

— Absolutely. Both teams demonstrated the country`s best speed and ball control. The game was perfectly balanced. Glushenkov and Luis Enrique became the heroes. In the 60th minute, the Brazilian delivered a precise pass through a defender`s legs, setting up the Russian, Maxim, who scored past the goalkeeper, also through his legs. Later, as Krasnodar relentlessly attacked, Zenit capitalized on a counter-attack. This time, Glushenkov provided a cross, and Luis Enrique headed it home decisively. A super-battle, the result of which disappointed the football-loving southern city of Russia.

— Dynamo was the first to play, and unexpectedly for many who had become accustomed to their recent struggles, they played remarkably well, even on a very challenging pitch.

— It`s worth noting that the «White-Blues» remain the league`s most injury-depleted team. Tyukavin was rested, not appearing on Orenburg`s artificial turf. However, substitute winger Mauhoub made an impact, opening the scoring in the 58th minute. The hosts then had to push forward, constantly exposing their midfield, which predictably led to another couple of goals. The Brazilian Bitello personally orchestrated two goals. The final score was 3-1 in favor of Dynamo, who appear to be recovering after a slump.

— What about Baltika? They are still in second place and continue to receive much positive feedback. The league newcomer extended their record unbeaten streak to nine matches. But they couldn`t win at home.

— In the home match in Kaliningrad against Rostov, it was a clash of titans. The opponent was also «on a roll,» as they say. There was more struggle than actual football. As an illustration, I offer a fragment from Dmitry Shnyakin`s commentary on «Match Premier»: «Actually, one should acknowledge Rostov`s successful streak. After early championship setbacks — a Hollywood-esque 3-3 with Lokomotiv, a 1-1 with Akhmat, two consecutive victories over CSKA and Spartak. Over CSKA in the championship, over Spartak in the Cup. And now a draw in Kaliningrad, where no one has won yet. If you ask us what the match between Rostov and Baltika was like, how many consecutive passes, if you can even call them passes — just head-butts! So many duels per square meter, so much contact in this struggle — they were piling on, fighting, pushing.»

— Spartak also secured three points, winning 2-1 at home against Krylia Sovetov. But the team`s play continues to raise questions.

— I agree. Because their squad is arguably one of the strongest in the RPL. On the other hand, although Spartak is criticized, look at the final statistics of the home match against Samara: 13:2 on corners, 9:1 on shots on target. All because the «people`s team» conceded an early goal, and Krylia immediately switched to a «second-number» defensive strategy. In my opinion, they switched too early. Stankovic was absent from the home team`s bench, the Moscow coach being disqualified for a month after his outburst in the derby against Dynamo. However, Ugalde «woke up.» Last year`s top scorer netted his first goals in the new championship. His brace brought the Red-Whites a 2-1 victory.

— And finally, please list all known results and the standings of the leaders.

— Here are the results of Round 9:

• Pari NN 1-2 Akhmat
• Akron 2-2 Rubin
• Dynamo (Makhachkala) 1-1 Lokomotiv
• Orenburg 1-3 Dynamo
• Spartak 2-1 Krylia Sovetov
• Baltika 0-0 Rostov
• Krasnodar 0-2 Zenit