Russia have sent home veteran midfielder Alexandr Mostovoi for disciplinary reasons just 24 hours before their crunch Group A clash with hosts Portugal.

A 2-0 victory for Real Sociedad away to Malaga put them back on top of the Primera Liga last night after Real Madrid had briefly reclaimed the top spot on Saturday night.

Russia coach Oleg Romantsev has named a strong 20-man squad for the upcoming friendly clash with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.