MOSCOW: Lokomotiv Moscow took top spot in the Russian Premier League from Zenit St Petersburg with a 2-0 victory over Krasnodar in the capital on Monday.
The two-time champions are level on points with Zenit but lead by virtue of having more wins, after Roberto Mancini's men were held to a 0-0 draw on Sunday by third-placed CSKA Moscow, who are four points adrift of the leading two.
"It's a win that we deserved with our good play," Lokomotiv manager Yury Semin said.
"It was very difficult to beat Krasnodar who are traditionally hard opponents for us. Of course we're happy to earn the top spot, while I'm pleased with everybody and everything today."
Russian international Alexei Miranchuk put Lokomotiv ahead in the 25th minute from close range, before Portuguese attacking midfielder Manuel Fernandes secured the victory with five minutes remaining with a 25-yard free-kick.