Moscow, May 27 (IANS/RIA Novosti) FC Kuban will play in Europe for the first time next season after qualifying for the Europa League with a 1-0 defeat of Anzhi Makhachkala.
Kuban finish the season in a best-ever league position of fifth after a turbulent campaign that saw the team run by three different coaches.
In-form Bulgarian striker Ivelin Popov scored the hosts' winner from the tightest of angles, scoring in the 23rd minute while almost on the touchline.
Anzhi's focus was firmly on next week's Russian Cup final against CSKA Moscow with several players rested including playmaker Mbark Boussoufa and striker Samuel Eto'o.
--IANS/RIA Novosti
ss/vt
