Zenit tops CSKA Moscow 2-0 in Russian Premier League

Two second-half goals from Brazilian star forward Givanildo Vieira de Sousa known as "Hulk" helped Zenit shutout second place CSKA Moscow 2-0 in Petrovsky stadium on Sunday.

A CSKA win would have moved them ahead of Rostov at the top of league standing instead keeps Zenit's hopes alive for another Russian Premier League title.

The win boosts Zenit into fourth place in the overall standings, one point behind Lokomotiv Moscow, who meanwhile defeated Rubin Kazan, and four points behind league leader Rostov.

"We haven't won three matches in a row for a long time," said Zenit head coach Andre Villas Boas.

"It's a very important win but we still have to recover some points," said Zenit manager Andre Villas Boas.

Zenit seemingly controlled the pace of the match from the start at home against CSKA. Zenit almost went into halftime after midfielder Danny sent the ball into the net in the 23rd minute but then later waived off after being ruled offside.

After a scoreless first half for both clubs, Zenit Brazilian star Hulk notched two goals, the first in the 54th minute from the box, and in the 79th minute on a winding free kick.

CSKA's strong league start of 15 consecutive wins has turned into losing its last five of eight games. Zenit meanwhile has won three straight.

FC Zenit will both play next Saturday against FK Amkar Perm while CSKA Moscow faces Mordovia Saransk. FC Rostov remains in the top position of Russian Premier League standings following its 2-0 win over Spartak Moscow. Endi