Russia were pushed all the way by a spirited Wales side but ultimately emerged as narrow victors in a World Cup qualifier at a rain-drenched Lokomotiv stadium.
John Toshack's Wales produced a memorable, battling display in the Group Four match and pushed the Euro 2008 semi-finalists to the limits.
What the outcome would have been had Gareth Bale scored from a first-half penalty which would have put Wales ahead no one can say.
But even when Russia converted their own spot-kick through Roman Pavlyuchenko it did not break Wales' spirits.
They battled away in the second period until Joe Ledley swept home an equaliser with 23 minutes left.
But their hearts were broken with 10 minutes left when substitute Pavel Pogrebnyak swept home the winner.
From the start Wales defended 10 yards inside their own half, conceding possession and looking to run themselves ragged for the cause.
But there was instantly a flow, even swagger, about Russia as the ball sped from flank to flank.
Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey's first save was a fine point-blank effort to block Pavlyuchenko's fierce effort after 14 minutes.
Amazingly the first time Wales got into Russia's penalty area they were gifted the chance to take the lead in the 15th minute.
Bale was tripped by Russia captain Sergei Semak but for the second successive match Wales missed a penalty.
The Spurs left-back took the kick himself but Igor Akinfeev flung himself to his right to palm the effort round the post.
And Wales were made to pay as in the 23rd minute when Carl Robinson, who had been booked for an earlier foul, was penalised again but with more severe consequences.
Yuri Zhirkov leapt theatrically after feeling the Toronto man's boot connect with him in the area.
This time there was no mistake. Up stepped Pavlyuchenko to blast the penalty past Hennessey.
Into the second half, Pavlyuchenko saw a 20-yard strike deflect wide off Craig Morgan but Wales, by this point, were bravely trying to come forward.
David Edwards headed over from a Chris Gunter cross before Simon Davies got in on the right to shoot wide.
Wales were eventually rewarded for a strong display when Bale surged into the box on the right, got to the line and pulled the ball back for Ledley to grab his second goal for his country.
But with 10 minutes left Russia took the lead again. Andrei Arshavin crossed from the left and Hennessey made a fine save from Konstantin Zyrianov's header but Pogrebnyak drove home as the ball bounced to him.
