Spartak wins to go third

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Russian outfit Spartak Moscow went third, a point behind Victor Wanyama’s Celtic in Group G of the UEFA Champions League after a 2 – 1 win over Portuguese side Benfica at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Early lead

Spartak Moscow raced into an early lead in the encounter; Rafael Carioca kept his cool after just three minutes to beat Artur Moraes in the Benfica goal after a well timed pass by Jurado Marin.

Benfica, however, pegged the home side back thirty minutes later with a headed goal from Rodrigo Jose Lima after a fine cross from the right channel by Eduardo Salvio.

Own goal

The visitors were, however, to fall behind again after ten minutes courtesy of an own goal by defender Jardel Nivaldo under pressure from his fellow Brazilian Ari da Silva.

The win takes Spartak to third place with three points while Benfica has just a point after three matches.

Celtic is scheduled to take on group leaders Barcelona later, at 2145hrs at the Nou Camp.