Russian team go viral for producing SIX ridiculous set-piece routines in one game

A Russian team have gone viral after producing SIX incredible set-piece routines in a single game.

FC Alania Vladikavkaz play in the Russian second division and recorded a huge penalty shoot-out win over Zenit St Petersburg in the quarter finals of the Russian Cup in April.

They were well beaten in the semi-finals by Dynamo Moscow but are going pretty well in the league this term, sitting in second position with 11 points after an unbeaten five-game run.

And Alania have achieved widespread recognition on social media of late for some of their remarkable creativity from dead-ball situations.

Many happened in the very same fixture and started with one in the 30th minute. They had a free-kick from the right flank and a number of players crowded together outside the box before rushing into the area when the taker gave the signal.

The second was a set-piece from far out and loads of the Alania players queued up behind the ball, all taking turns to dummy it and running forwards until one passed the ball short to the free man down the left.

They performed an exact carbon copy of the routine on the opposite wing - only this time - for reasons still unclear - the goalkeeper had rushed up the pitch and wanted to get involved before he was told to get back in his net.

Another set-piece situation saw them all play a little game of a 'ring-a-roses' in the box from a corner - something that has been seen before and perfected by a Japanese high school team.

A couple of others were a little more basic and just required sticking together and then making the dart to their designated position on the corner.

Their training sessions must be absolutely mental and you'll notice that none of the routines resulted in a goal.

However, in April, one of their gems brought the last minute 25-yard free-kick equaliser from Nikolai Giorgobiani, who took the cup clash with Zenit to penalties courtesy of the worldie hit.

Alania, who have one Russian league title to their name and featured in the UEFA Cup, Champions League and Europa League, emerged victorious in the shoot-out.

Featured Image Credit: Image: MARCA

Topics: Russia

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_