Zenit puts five past Spartak

The result made it four wins from four for Zenit, which took the lead after 15 minutes through Maksim Kanunnikov. It had to wait until seven minutes into the second half to double the lead, through Vladimir Bystrov, before Roman Shirokov added a third after an hour's play.

A double from Viktor Faitzulin (67 and 87) wrapped up the win, with Spartak having won all three of its league games prior to this. Its task was made more difficult by the 63rd-minute dismissal of winger Aiden McGeady.

Lokomotiv Moscow joined third-placed Anzhi Makhachkala on seven points after a 2-2 draw at home to Alania Vladikavkaz.

Lokomotiv burst ahead through Roman Pavlyuchenko's third-minute goal but it was pegged back by Anton Grigoriev's sixth-minute equaliser.

Maicon restored Lokomotiv's lead (33) but this time it lasted just four minutes as Tamas Priskin drew Alania level again.

Alania finished the match with 10 men after substitute Aslan Dudiev was sent off with seven minutes to go.

Terek Grozny moved behind Lokomotiv on goal difference after a 2-0 win at home to Volga as Igor Lebedenko (15 and 90) settled it for the Chechen side.