Spartak Moscow 5-1 FC Tambov
Saturday 5 December, Otkritie Arena

Goals: Spartak - Larsson (27, 82), Ponce (64, 90+2), Gigot (87); Tambov - Onugkha (65)
Man of the Match: Jordan Larsson (Spartak)

Spartak returned to the top of the table with a comfortable win over Tambov as Jordan Larsson and Ezequiel Ponce became the RPL joint-top goalscorers. Larsson’s first-time finish gave Spartak the lead midway through the first half, before a late second put Spartak two goals ahead.

The Swede had earlier led a breakaway 20 minutes after the break, and although his shot was saved, Ponce used quick feet to flick a rebound just over the line. Moments later German Onugkha smashed a rocket past Aleksandr Maksimenko from the edge of the area, but Tambov couldn’t complete the comeback as Samuel Gigot and Ponce added late goals to put the gloss on a commanding win.

Spartak go three points clear at the top of the table on 35 points, while Tambov remain 14th on 12 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Saturday 12 December - FC Sochi vs Spartak Moscow; Sunday 13 December - FC Tambov vs Rubin Kazan