Held To Draw By Fenerbahce
Lokomotiv drew the return match against Fenerbahce in the Europa League round of 32.
After the first-leg 0:2 loss Lokomotiv landed in a difficult position. To reach the last 16 stage the team needed to win by a margin of at least two goals. On the other hand, even one conceded goal could seriously complicate things for the Railwaymen. Nevertheless, at the pre-match press conference Igor Cherevchenko exuded optimism saying: “Since our rivals scored twice against us in Istanbul, why can’t we do the same on the home ground?”
Lokomotiv didn’t scramble forward from the very start but set out full of poise and confidence. Denisov and Kasaev repeatedly pushed down the left, and the first chance came through that flank. Vitaliy made a pass to Miranchuk who picked out Kasaev in the penalty area. Alan got the better of the keeper and rolled the ball into the net, however the linesman had already raised flag for offside. It had been onside, though.
But Lokomotiv did find the goal afterwards. A minute before the break, Samedov successfully finished off a rebound after Mykhalyk’s screamer.
In the second half the pace of the game changed on both sides. Lokomotiv really came into it, pressing harder and harder. The away team responded with counter-attacks. 20 minutes to the final whistle, the Railroaders wasted the most perfect opportunity to score. A header by Samedov, left in space near the far post, was denied by the keeper. Alexander followed up on it but his second attempt went too high.
The outcome was settled late in the match off a corner kick when Topal somehow connected with the ball using the back of his head. The ball sailed high over everyone and curled inside the far post.
Following the two legs, the result stands at 1:3. Fenerbahce advance to the next round.
Europa League, round of 32. Second leg.
Lokomotiv – Fenerbahce - 1:1 (1:0)
Goals scored: Samedov, 44 (1:0). Topal, 83 (1:1)
Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Denisov, Corluka, Durica, Pejcinovic, Kolomeytsev, Fernandes (Skuletic, 73), Ndinga (Mykhalyk, 12), Kasaev (Zhemaletdinov, 82), Samedov, Miranchuk.
Fenerbahce: Fabiano, Kaldirim, Kjaer, Bruno Alves, Gonul (Ozbayrakli, 43), Souza, Topal, Tufan (Kadlec, 75), Sen, van Percie, Nani (Potuk, 79)
Bookings: Kolomeytsev, 52. Mykhalyk, 53. Tufan, 63. Souza, 67. Zhemaletdinov, 81.
Referee: Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
25 February. Moscow, Lokomotiv stadium
