Simply Better

Lokomotiv defeat Torpedo FC Armavir in the round of 32 of the Russian Cup and advance to the next stage.

Loko relived the summer. Announced at the pre-game briefing, weather forecast promised up to 35 degrees Celsius during the playtime. The match inspector Nikolay Ivanov discussed the matter of additional breaks separately with both sides to allow the teams extra minutes’ for rest and drinks. The expected attendance at Yunost stadium was declared based on all 3100 tickets being sold out: albeit small numbers, yet full house.

Our coaches decided to leave some of the first-squad players in Moscow. Guilherme, Corluka, Denisov, Tarasov, Samedov and Niasse stayed home. Rotation took place. Dmitriy Barinov was handed his debut as starter for an official match.

The Railwaymen set out briskly, creating chances one after another. The team put to use Maicon’s sprinting ability and kept lofting the ball over to Skuletic. Torpedo responded with perilous attacks of their own. In the opening minutes it was Mykhalyk who cleared the danger once the goal remained empty. As the half was nearing the end, Abaev made several great saves.

After the restart, Lokomotiv increased pressure becoming more aggressive in the final third. Fernandes made lobbed passes for teammates to pick. One of them found Pejcinovic to shatter the woodwork.

Late in the game, the hosts conceded – following another one of Fernandes’ corners. Skuletic headed it in from a corner of the goal area.

Lokomotiv marks a victory and in the round of 16 will take on the winner of Spartak Nalchik vs Amkar duel.

Russian Cup. Round of 32

Torpedo (Armavir) – Lokomotiv – 0:1 (0:0)
Goals scored: Skuletic, 78

Torpedo: Revyakin, Voronkin, Dzharkava, Chezhiya, Dugalic (Khurtsidze, 59), Stepanov, Abu Zaid (Aleksanyan, 87), Paderin (Ryzhov, 70), Bougouhi, Tsarikayev, Arziani
Lokomotiv: Abaev, Yanbaev, Mykhalyk, Logashov, Shishkin (Pejcinovic, 57), Ndinga (Al. Miranchuk, 72), Barinov (Kolomeytsev, 61), Grigoryev, Maicon, Fernandes, Skuletic
Bookings: Voronkin, 25. Skuletic, 45.
Referee: Nikolay Voloshyn (Smolensk)
September 23. Armavir, Yunost stadium.