Makhach Gadzhiev missed two late chances to give Anzhi Makhachkala a win in Guus Hiddink's home debut against Spartak Moscow on Monday, their drab Russian Premier League encounter ending 0-0.
Gadzhiev, a 70th minute substitute, blazed over from six yards after a pinpoint cross from Yuri Zhirkov in the clearest opportunity of the match 10 minutes from time. Gadzhiev had fired straight at Spartak goalkeeper Andriy Dikan from a similar position moments earlier.
Anzhi, who have won one and drawn one under new coach Hiddink, remain seventh on 56 points, while Spartak stay fourth but move level on 59 points with Dynamo Moscow.
"The game was intense, we played against an experienced team," Hiddink said. "Against such a good team we gave a good performance."
Spartak's top scorer Emmanuel Emenike came closest in the first half after strike partner Welliton pounced on a defensive error, burst through and laid the ball off to the Nigerian, who shot straight at Vladimir Gabulov in the Anzhi goal.
Brazilians Joao Carlos and Jucilei both missed good chances, with one heading over and the wide.
Samuel Eto'o half-volleyed wide five minutes before the break.
Spartak spurned several chances in the second half through Emenike, who miskicked a cross from Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Welliton, who headed hopelessly wide from a good position.
After Gadzhiev's chances, Eto'o could have stolen it at the death but was crowded out.
Earlier Monday, FC Tom Tomsk grabbed their first league win in 17 matches with a 1-0 defeat of Volga Nizhny Novgorod. Denis Boyarintsev's first-half tap in gave the hosts their first three points since a 3-1 away victory over FC Kuban last July.
The Siberians remain bottom on 24 points but climb to within three of Spartak Nalchik, who suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Amkar Perm.
Vitaly Grishin and substitute Nikita Burmistrov struck for the visitors before Jovan Golic grabbed a late consolation for Spartak.
