Illogic Defeat

After quite a lengthy exploration of each other’s tactics that made the fans yawn for at least 15 minutes there came a real opportunity for Lokomotiv. Victor Obinna crossed to the box from the left flank and Denis Glushakov managed a powerful header. But Belenov’s exceptional reaction and skill did not allow the attempt convert into a goal.

Just a minute later the Railwaymen came up with another great opportunity. Dmitry Tarasov passed into space through defence, Dame N’Doye ran for the ball but the keeper was first to it.

By the time Loko’s Dario Kresic had to step in first time, it was already mid-half. Popov found himself with the ball just metres off the goal line and shot allowing Dario demonstrate amazing reflexes which saved the team this time. The Krasnodarians continued with the siege but Kresic cut out a dangerous cross from the flank and got the ball. That cost him an injury. The Croatian keeper collided with Popov and broke the nose, but had some medical help and decided not to leave the pitch.

In the end of the first half Lokomotiv dominated on the pitch. The Railwaymen had three scoring chances during several minutes. First, Reto Ziegler crossed to Taras Burlak who shot but Belenov managed to parry the ball. Later, Glushakov shot at the goal but a defender cleared the danger. Loko was given a corner, Jan Durica outjumped his opponents but the ball went just over the bar.

The half-time brought no changes to the squads. And only in the 60th minute Slaven Bilic used his first substitution: Dmitry Torbinsky replaced Ian Tigorev. This was to boost the attack as Lokomotiv was putting more and more pressure on Kuban’s goal.

Five minutes on, Torbinsky steamed down the flank and earned a free kick that could have turned into a goal. But Dealbert cleared the ball from the very goal line. There came a mess in the box and Burlak could have struck from a dangerous position but a defender cleared it at the very last moment.

The siege of Kuban’s goal ended up in the most illogical way – the visitors’ goal. Kuban played a throw, Fidler dribbled several defenders and passed to Bucur. The linesman saw the player on side and the Romanian shot at the far bottom corner and it was a goal.

Bilic immediately came up with the second substitution: Felipe Caicedo substituted Glushakov. Five minutes before the final whistle Felipe could have scored after a classy pass by Alexander Samedov but shot straight into the keeper’s hands.

In the extra time Lokomotiv locked Kuban in their box but the Krasnodarians secured a victory.

Lokomotiv - Kuban 0:1 (0:1)

Goal: Bucur, 71.

Lokomotiv: Kresic, Shishkin, Burlak, Durica, Ziegler, Tarasov, Tigorev (Torbinsky, 60), Glushakov (Caicedo, 74), Samedov, Obinna (Maicon, 83), N’doye.

Kuban: Belenov, Dealbert, Kozlov, Zelao, Lolo, Tlisov, Ionov (Bucur, 68), Fidler, Ozbiliz (Zhavnerchik, 90), Popov, Balde (Urena, 79).

Yellow cards: Fidler, 21. Kozlov, 56. Lolo, 82. Samedov, 82. Zelao, 82.    

Red cards: Fidler, 90 (second yellow card).

Referee: Vladimir Kazmenko (Rostov-on-Don).

October 6. Moscow. Lokomotiv Stadium. 10 830 spectators.