Russian club Spartak Moscow are set to lift their first title in 16 years after years of elusion.

They established a 10-point lead over their closest rival with the victory over Ural ahead of the tough fixture against CSKA Moscow in a city derby.

Spartak defeated FC Ural by the slimmest of margins as Luis Fernando scored in the 23rd minute. The win put Spartak’s title hopes back on track after they had slipped against Rostov. This is their first serious championship title push since 2001 but they have CSKA Moscow on their heels still.

After Spartak Moscow defeated Zenit St Petersburg many thought they would cruise to the Russian Football Premier League Championship title but after the game where skipper Denis Glushakov was Michael Essien Fan sent off and they lost 3-0 to Rostov, the title was open race again.

CSKA Moscow have a game in hand as they are poised to play Lokomotiv. If the game goes their way and they defeat Spartak, it could further open up the race. If the reverse happens, Spartak could get a 95th anniversary gift.

The official birthdate of the club is April 18th, the day the club played its first friendly game with the Zamoskvorestsky Sports Club though it was known as Moscow Sports Hobby Club then. The club changed its names many times before settling for Spartak Moscow FC.