The Russian Premier League Game of the Week took place between FC Rostov and CSKA Moscow in a match-up of the top two teams in Russia. Team Melli striker Sardar Azmoun was in the starting lineup as the lone striker while fellow TM midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi was ready on the bench.
A full house was on hand for this much anticipated showdown between the top teams in Russia. In the 15th minute, Moscow defender Sergei Ignashevich had an attempt on goal with a long range free kick that was saved by keeper Soslan Dzhanayev.
Both teams wanted the win badly and it showed by the physical play that took place on the field as six yellow cards were handed out in the first half.
In the 21st minute, Spanish defender Cesar Navas received a yellow card for a dangerous high kick that resulted in CSKA forward Ahmed Musa needing to have his head bandaged. Minutes later, Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun received a yellow card for a careless tackle.
In the 35th minute, Rostov had an excellent chance to take the lead when a long ball sent into the penalty area intended for Azmoun hit the shoulder of CSKA defender Vasili Berezutski. The ball went to unmarked Rostov defender Timofei Margasov but his shot went wide.
Four minutes later, Margasov sent in a cross from the left to Azmoun but he did not get enough power on his left foot and the shot went straight at keeper Igor Akinfeev.
In the 45th minute, a ball from Gabonese midfielder Guélor Kanga was sent into the penalty area to Azmoun. The Iranian striker immediately sent the ball near the six-yard box where Russian forward Dmitry Poloz tapped it in to give Rostov a 1-0 lead.
The second half did not continue to be nearly as physical as the first half. Rostov did not produce many dangerous chances as they seemed content to play tight in order to hold onto the valuable three points.
Just after the hour mark, CSKA had a chance to tie the match but a header from Vasili Berezutski went wide on a corner kick.
Iranian striker Azmoun was substituted out in the 74th minute for midfielder Aleksandr Yerokhin. Rostov manager Kurban Berdyev clearly showed that he wanted to tighten up his defense and midfield in order to get the victory against Moscow.
Three minutes later, Poloz nearly sealed the win for Rostov but his shot in the penalty area went wide. Moments later, second half sub Yerokhin had an excellent chance inside the penalty area but CSKA keeper Akinfeev came out of his box to make a nice stop and keep his squad in the match.
CSKA Moscow sent everyone forward and they were punished on the counter-attack in the 93rd minute when Rostov captain Aleksandru Gatcan found second half substitute Moussa Doumbia wide open. The Malian midfielder made no mistake and sent his low shot into the far corner to beat Akinfeev and give Rostov a huge 2-0 victory.
The win means that Rostov and CSKA are now equal with points (40) and goal difference (10) at the top of the Russian Premier League table but Rostov holds the head-to-head tiebreaker.