Krasnodar’s Swedes steal the show as Krasnodar thrash Khimki

FC Krasnodar 7-2 FC Khimki
Friday 18 September, FC Krasnodar Stadium

Goals: Krasnodar - Marcus Berg (19), Viktor Claesson (23, 45), Tonny Vilhenna (52), Remy Cabella (62), Daniil Utkin (75), Magomed-Shapi Suleymoanov (89); Khimki - Arshak Koryan (27, 42)

Man of the Match: Viktor Claesson (Krasnodar)

Krasnodar went into half time in front after a whirlwind first half that saw five goals, two penalties - both of which were initially saved - and a single-goal lead for the hosts. Marcus Berg broke the deadlock by tucking in the rebound after his spot-kick was blocked by Ilya Lantratov, before his compatriot Viktor Claesson extended the lead.

Arshak Koryan reduced the deficit with a stunning long-range strike before equalising with a retaken penalty just before the break. On the stroke of half time itself Claesson bagged his second to reclaim the lead.

In the second half Krasnodar ran away with it as Tonny Vilhenna, Remy Cabella and Daniil Utkin completed an emphatic win.

Krasnodar return to the top half of the table after jumping up to third on 14 points, while Khimki remain rooted in the automatic relegation zone without a win on three points. After a Champions League playoff match against PAOK next week Krasnodar travel to take on FC Sochi next in the RPL on Saturday 26 September, while Khimki host Dynamo Moscow next on Monday 28 September.