Kazan's Rubin defeated the in-form Spartak 2-1 in the 20th round of the Russian Premier League. Mirlin Daku scored twice, while Ezequiel Barco netted the only goal for the red-and-whites.
Had Spartak won, they would have drawn level on points with league leaders Zenit, but now they trail by three. Rubin, following this victory, sits in eighth place.
It was a very tough match for Spartak. The Moscow side created plenty of chances, but Rubin's goal was rarely under real threat. The Kazan team defended well and counterattacked efficiently.
Armenia national team player Ugochukwu Iwu was, as always, solid in midfield, though he received his fourth yellow card of the season, which means he will miss the next match.
Iwu’s Stats vs Spartak:
- Minutes played: 90+
- Accurate passes: 23 (79%)
- Long passes: 5/7
- Successful dribbles: 1/1
- Duels won: 4/6
- Possession losses: 8
- Fouls committed: 1
- Yellow cards: 1
- Fouls won: 1
- Clearances: 4
- Blocked shots: 1
- Interceptions: 1
- Tackles: 2
- SofaScore rating: 6.9