Zenit turn win over Lokomotiv into another title

Zenit St. Petersburg 3-1 Lokomotiv Moscow
Saturday 30 April, Gazprom Arena

Goals: Zenit - Sergeev (28), Malcom (42), Mostovoy (77); Lokomotiv - Kerk (4)
Man of the Match: Ivan Sergeev (Zenit)

After Dynamo was defeated by Ural, it was the first championship point to serve for Zenit, only a win over Lokomotiv could make them champions. The 47k crowd firstly saw Zenit conceding a goal after Girano Kerk intercepted the pass from Mikhail Kerzhakov and put the ball into the empty net. Later, Maksim Petrov could make another successful steal, but Kerzhakov did not allow catching the ball first.

The first goal attempt by the hosts ended with an Ivan Sergeev goal, but it was disallowed due to the offside. Another hit to RPL leaders was Claudinho’s injury, the Brazilian even left the field on the medical car. But he came back and took part in the first goal combination: his cross found Yuri Alberto’s head in the box, another Brazilian provided the ball further, and again Sergeev was the finisher, this time correctly.

The Russian striker tried to get a brace before half-time, but he could not reach the ball after Malcom’s cross. As well as Guilherme, so it came to the net and brought a one-goal lead to Zenit. Sergeev’s impact continued in the second-half, as he provided an assist to score for Andrey Mostovoy with 13 minutes left to play. Zenit did not repeat last year's 6-1 win, but repeated winning the golden medals before the final matchday.

Zenit are crowned champions on 61 points, while Lokomotiv stay sixth on 41 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Wednesday 4 May - FC Krasnodar vs Lokomotiv Moscow; Saturday 7 May - Zenit St. Petersburg vs Khimki; Sunday 8 May - Lokomotiv Moscow vs Rubin Kazan