Leaders Rubin Kazan continued to stamp their authority on the league with a 4-1 defeat of Krylya Sovetov. Following a scoreless first half, the defending champions came to life with goals from Cristian Noboa and Alexander Bukhavor before the hour mark.

Veteran striker Jan Koller got one back for the visitors soon afterwards. But they were given no chance to find an equaliser, as Gokdeniz Karadeniz restored the two-goal advantage almost immediately and then Bukharov's second sealed the win.

All of my men performed well tonight.
Rubin Kazan manager Kurban Berdyev

The result left Kazan on top of the table with 56 points from 27 matches, four points ahead of second-placed Spartak Moscow, who face Rostov at home this weekend.

"It was a tough match, especially the first half," Kazan manager Kurban Berdyev said. "Thank God we could score early in the second. All of my men performed well tonight."

Elsewhere, CSKA Moscow moved up to fourth, temporarily at least, after edging out Terek Grozny 1-0 courtesy of Tomas Necid's third-minute strike.

Neighbours Saturn Moscow were also 1-0 winners, beating Khimki through a 49th-minute goal from Denis Halilovic.