Third Victory In A Row
Manu Fernandes knocks out Anji with a winner and brings Lokomotiv back to its first place in the table.
Before the kick-off the team and the terraces stood in a moment of silence in the memory of Valeriy Maslov who had worked as a scout at Lokomotiv for 10 years. On July 27 the veteran coach passed away.
To replace the injured Ari, Yuriy Syomin chose Farfan. The Peruvian knows the role, he has been playing as a striker for the most part of his career.
But in the first half Farfan didn't have many chances. Both teams played tight in defence and tried to block potential attempts. Lokomotiv managed to have a go at the goal just once in 45 minutes.
Nevertheless, there was one real chance when Tarasov received the ball at the spot and heeled it but missed the target.
In half-time there was a festive mood, as another Lokomotiv veteran Vladimir Ryakhovskiy received presents and a memorable plate from Ilya Gerkus. Mr Ryakhovskiy has recently turned 70.
When the game restated, the fans saw the new signing Maciej Rybus who substituted Mikhail Lysov. Maciej was active but yet not that useful.
Anyway, Lokomotiv's play was much more entertaining in the second half. Between 56 and 64 minutes the players created so many chances they would do for two games. In one episode, Fernandes crossed to Farfan who wanted to head it home from the edge of the box but missed the target.
Later the keeper saved another attempt by Jeff. Miranchuk and Tarasov could have followed up but missed the ball. In the next offensive Alexey sent it over the crossbar from about 12 metres, making Syomin fiercefully kick a plastic bottle at the bench.
However, scoring a goal was a matter of time. In the end of the game Anji's fatigue was remarkable, and Farfan was there to capitalize on it. The Peruvian received the ball in the box and sent it home but a linesman had seen him off side a moment earlier.
Three minutes later Lokomotiv replayed this through Fernandes, and Manu made no mistake. 1:0 - Lokomotiv secure a third consecutive win and reinstall themselves as interim leaders.
Right after the game the team and the coaches congratulated Lokomotiv president Ilya Getkus on his 45th birthday and gave him a t-shirt with signatures of all of the players.
ROSGOSSTRAKH Russian Championship. Gameweek 3.
Lokomotiv - Anji - 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Fernandes, 81 (1:0)
Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Ignatyev, Barinov (An. Miranchuk, 69), Kverkvelia, Pejcinovic, Lysov (Rybus, 46), Tarasov, I. Denisov, Fernandes, Al. Miranchuk, Farfan (Mykhalyk, 91)
Anji: Solosin, Poluyakhtov, Khubulov (Katsaev, 54), Afonin, Fibel, Guliev, Markelov, Yakovlev (Bazelyuk, 67), Bryzgalov, Danchenko, Mamtov (Leskano, 46)
Bookings: Tarasov, 44. Fernandes, 78. Kverkvelia, 86. Fibel, 93
Referee: Roman Galimov (Ulan-Ude)
July 30. Moscow. Lokomotiv stadium.
