Spartak progress in Russian Cup

Spartak Moscow won 2-1 away at Salyut Belgorod last night to reach the last eight of the Russian Cup.

Belgorod took the lead in the first half but Jano Ananidze equalised before the break with Dutchman Demy de Zeeuw scoring the winner early in the second half.

After the match Spartak coach Unai Emery said: “This was a difficult match for us but it’s important to progress in the cup competition.

“We knew that Salyut would be fired up and motivated and that’s the way that they started the match.

“After they had scored I felt that we controlled the match although Salyut played well.

“We know that we’ll have to improve but I’m pleased with the spirit that we showed against ytough opponents.”

Spartak are back in league action tomorrow away to Amkar Perm. After nine league matches Spartak have collected 16 points but such is the competitive nature of the Russian championship they are only five points behind leaders CSKA Moscow who they play following Celtic’s visit.

Meanwhile in Spain Cesc Fabregas has claimed that La Liga is harder to win than the English Premiership.

Fabregas moved from Arsenal to Barca last summer and has still to experience the thrill of a championship triumph.

“When I returned to Spain I was taken aback by the fact that La Liga is harder to win than the Premier League,” he claimed.

“In England it’s easier to win the league, because even if you lose five or six games you still have a good chance.

“Spanish teams are better prepared tactically. It is more difficult to score and assist here as there is less freedom and more pressing. England is more fun because it is less defensive.”

Spartak team v Salyut Belgorod: Pesyakov, Fadeev (Makeev, 46), Insaurralde, Putsko, Bryzgalov (Carioca, 72), Ananidze, Chelstrem, de Zeeuw (Ari, 89), McGeady, Dziuba (k), P. Yakovlev.

Subs Rebrov, D. Kombarov, Makhmudov Emenike.

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