KAZAN (SW) - Rubin Kazan crushed zenit St Petersburg 4-1 to defend their lead in the Russian Premier League. Zenit meanwhile, continue to struggle.

Only days after being knocked out of the domestic cup by a first division team, Zenit were little more successful at league leaders Rubin Kazan.

The hosts needed only eight minutes to open the score through Bukharov and Ukrainian Rebrov doubled the lead five minutes later.

Tymoschuk did get one back from the penalty spot, but Rubin never had their lead threatened and Bukharov netted his second of the day in the 72nd minute. Kobenko took care of the fourth and last goal.

As if the score wasn't bad enough for Zenit, Dick Advocaat's side also finished with only nine active players as both Puygrenier (direct) and Tymoschuk (second yellow) were sent off.

Dinamo Moskva defeated Amkar Perm to win the battle for second place, and trail the leaders by only two points. An own goal from Afanasjev after four minutes turned out to be the decider.