MOSCOW, May 18 (R-Sport) - CSKA Moscow secured the Russian Premier League title with a game to go Saturday after a goalless draw at home to FC Kuban.
The point leaves CSKA six clear of second-placed Zenit St. Petersburg, who have two games to play. Should the two finish level on points, CSKA prevail on the number of wins.
The title is the fourth for the Moscow team, who had not won the Russian league since 2006. Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev burst into tears on the final whistle, while club legend and striker Vagner Love marched around the Arena Khimki stadium triumphantly waving a scarf in the club's red and blue colors.
"So many emotions," midfielder Alan Dzagoev said in televised comments. "It's my first victory ... It's indescribable."
CSKA, who gain direct entry to the Champions League group stage, controlled much of the game against Kuban, but proved unable to finish off a string of good chances.
Kuban defender Alexei Kozlov almost handed CSKA the lead in the first half when his wild attempt to clear a cross sent the ball flying just over his own crossbar. For CSKA, Alan Dzagoev and Vagner Love came close, while Ahmed Musa spurned two good chances.
Kuban, who rise to fourth and look likely to claim a Europa League place, tested CSKA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev from long range late in the game, but rarely looked likely to snatch a victory.
Ibrahima Balde had a close-range header saved late on.
In the dying minutes, CSKA center-back Mario Fernandes was stretchered off with what seemed a potentially serious knee injury. He was forced to sit out the title celebrations in the changing room with an ice-pack on his leg.
Later in the day, Mordovia Saransk will be relegated with anything but a win against Terek Grozny, and FC Krasnodar host Spartak Moscow, who are keen to rescue a disappointing season.
On Sunday, Zenit host Volga, Dynamo Moscow visit relegated Alania Vladikavkaz and Rubin Kazan travel to Krylya Sovetov.
Monday’s clash between Anzhi Makhachkala and Lokomotiv Moscow ends the weekend’s action.
On Friday, Amkar Perm beat FC Rostov 3-2 in a battle between two sides trying to avoid relegation playoffs.
