FC Anzhi Makhachkala

FC Anzhi Makhachkala () is a Russian football club based in Makhachkala, capital of the Republic of Dagestan, who play in the Russian Premier League. The name "Anzhi" means "Makhachkala" in the local Kumyk language.

History

The club was founded in 1991 and has played in the Russian league since 1992. In 1992 the team entered the Second Division and played there until promotion in 1996, when Eduard Malofeev coached them. In 1999 Anzhi won the First Division. In 2000 the team debuted in the Top Division and just missed the bronze medals. A penalty was awarded against Anzhi on the 95th minute of the last league match, and Torpedo converted it to clinch the third position. Anzhi finished fourth, recording the best result in club's history. In 2001 they reached the final of the Russian Cup, but lost to Lokomotiv on penalties.

Anzhi were relegated from the Premier League in 2002 and played there till they won the Championship in 2009 and were again promoted to Premier League after 7 years of absence. On 5 December 2010, defender Shamil Burziyev died in a car accident, aged 25.

On January 18, 2011, the club was purchased by billionaire Suleyman Kerimov.

European competitions

Anzhi participated in the 2001–02 UEFA Cup. Their opponents were Rangers......
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