Akhmat 0-2 Krasnodar 
Saturday 18 September, Akhmat Arena 

Goals: Krasnodar - Cabella 41', Ilyin 44'
Sent off: Akhmat - Zoran Nizic 66'
Man of the Match: Remy Cabella (Krasnodar) 

Vladimir Ilyin opened his account for Krasnodar against his old side Akhmat, as Viktor Goncharenko's side ground out an impressive win in Grozny. 

Star striker Jhon Cordoba was left out of the matchday squad as the visitors only brought four outfield players, but the small group were comfortable as they climbed back up the table. 

A sensational close-quarters dribble from Eduard Spertsyan set up Remy Cabella for a pinpoint side-footed finish five minutes before half time. The Frenchman wasted no time turning provider, whipping in a low cross for Ilyin to plant past Vitaly Gudiev after shaking off the attentions of Vitaly Lystsov. 

Twenty minutes into the second half, Krasnodar endured a conflicting moment. Their hosts were reduced to 10 men when Zoran Nizic was caught elbowing Spertsyan in the face, but a moment earlier Uros Spajic twisted his knee awkwardly and had to be taken off. 

Other than Viktor Claesson hitting the post late on, the remainder of the match was largely a procession as Krasnodar coasted to a valuable three points. 

Akhmat stay 11th on nine points, while Krasnodar move up to fifth on 13 points, just one spot and one point off the European places. 

Next RPL fixtures: Sunday 26 September - Rostov vs Akhmat; Krasnodar vs Sochi