Spartak again hammered at home (video)

Spartak Moscow lost their third home match in a row as they crashed to a 4-2 home defeat from Zenit St Petersburg.

Valery Karpin replaced Unai Emery in the dug-out but it was the same old story on the pitch as the home side took their goals against tally to 12 from three games against Barcelona, Dinamo Moscow and Zenit.

Zenit’s expensively purchased duo of Hulk and Axel Witsel helped themselves to three goals as the visitors raced into a 4-1 lead before Emmanuel Emenike put a gloss on the final scoreline by netting in the 81^st minute.

Adding to Spartak’s problems defender Nicolas Pareja was sent off early in the second half for picking up two yellow cards with substitute Juan Insaurralde red carded in injury time.

“We had the chances to equalize throughout the game,” Karpin claimed.

“Our intentions were good, we wanted to put on a decent show. But our mistakes led to the first goal, after that things took their toll.”

Aiden McGeady came on as a 66th minute substitute and could be in line to start his first game in two months against Celtic on Wednesday.

How motivated Spartak will be remains to be seen with even the prospect of a Europa League place beyond their reach.

Today’s defeat means that they trail league leaders CSKA Moscow by 11 points having played a game more.

Karpin was re-appointed as interim coach till the turn of the year and stated that the club’s aim was to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Celtic must get a better result against Spartak than Benfica get in Barcelona to progress to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Benfica have a free weekend while Barcelona are at home to Atletico Bilbao before the final match of Champions League Group G.

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