Russian Premier League side FC Kuban scored a shock 1-0 win at Lokomotiv Moscow on Saturday, with substitute striker Gheorghe Bucur hitting the winner two minutes after coming on.
The Romanian veteran took a layoff from Artem Fidler, who had beaten two defenders, and struck low into the far corner to put the visitors ahead on 70 minutes, against the run of play.
Lokomotiv had dominated for most of the match, and Kuban had goalkeeper Alexander Belenov to thank for an outstanding display in keeping the hosts at bay.
The visitors had Fidler sent off in the last minute for a tug on Lokomotiv defender Maicon, earning a second yellow card, but held on despite a ferocious late onslaught.
Kuban's second away win of the season sees them climb to joint fifth placed with Spartak Moscow on 19 points.
Lokomotiv could have joined Anzhi Makhachkala at the top with a win, but instead remain in fourth on 20 points.
It was an especially sweet victory for Kuban coach Yuri Krasnozhan, who left Lokomotiv in acrimonious circumstances last season.
Belenov made a stunning early save from Denis Glushakov, whose power header looked destined for the far corner.
Lokomotiv stopper Dario Kresic outdid his opposite number soon after with a lightning-fast save of Ivelin Popov's low shot.
Taras Burlak went close for Lokomotiv Moscow towards the end of the half with a header that found Belenov no less alert.
Late pressure saw a Glushakov shot bounce just wide and Jan Durica head over.
Kuban's Spanish defender Angel Dealbert cleared a header off the line from former Inter Milan and West Ham striker Victor Obinna as Lokomotiv turned the screw on the hour mark.
Lokomotiv coach Slaven Bilic brought on second striker Felipe Caicedo for Glushakov as the clock ran down, but the Ecuadorian was unable to make a difference despite several late efforts.
Later Saturday, bottom-placed FC Volga host Mordovia Saransk, Alania Vladikavkaz encounter Krylya Sovetov.
Sunday will see several big matches, including the much-anticipated derby between CSKA and Spartak Moscow and the clash between Guus Hiddink’s Anzhi and recovering Dynamo Moscow.
FC Krasnodar play reigning champions Zenit St. Petersburg and Rubin Kazan entertain Amkar Perm.
