First Fixture In Portugal

Lokomotiv lost a penalty shoot-out to Norrkoping in the opening match of the Atlantic Cup.

The Atlantic Cup kicked off with a fixture between Lokomotiv and Sweden’s champions IFK Norrkoping. “They are a solid outfit with some really fast legs. Earlier Nordic sides preferred aerial play but today they link up well and often dominate possession. Norrkoping look impressive,” – said Igor Cherevchenko before the match.

The Swedes performed great indeed in the first half, taking the lead only five minutes into the game when Nyman shot from outside the penalty area. Lokomotiv focused on building up attacks and succeeded, even though the threats were not so many. Kasaev had a wonderful chance to equalize in the middle of the first half. Alan exchanged passes with Skuletic and fired from the corner of the six-yard box but the keeper was there to save. Norrkoping responded with Traustason’s long shot that swished over the right 90.

For the second half, Lokomotiv brought on four fresh players. Durica, Kolomeytsev, Maicon and Fernandes entered the fray. Nine minutes into it, Manu created a goal from a free kick. He lofted the ball to Skuletic who drove it into the net.

In the closing half Lokomotiv were on top, yet did not manage to produce one more finish. Fernandes came close but missed. Maicon lacked height on wing crosses.

Full time ended in a draw. According to the contest's rules, the competitors proceeded directly to penalty shoot-out in which Norrkoping proved better – 5:3. Lokomotiv’s next encounter will be against Brondby on February 4.

Atlantic Cup. Group Stage

Lokomotiv - Norrkoping - 1:1 (0:1). On penalties - 3:5.
Goals scored: Nyman, 5 (0:1). Skuletic, 54 (1:1)

Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Pejcinovic (Sheshukov, 82), Mykhalyk (Durica, 46), Denisov, Yanbaev, Kasaev (Makarov, 77), Ndinga (Kolomeytsev, 46), Samedov (Maicon, 46), Тarasov (Barinov, 65), Miranchuk (Fernandes, 46), Skuletic
Norrkoping: Nilsson, Wahlqvist, Johansson, Olander, Telo (Dagerstal, 78), Tkalcic, Smith (Tekie, 46), Sjolund, Traustason (Blomkvist, 46), Kujovic, Nyman
Bookings: Fernandes, 76. Sheshukov, 84
Referee: Joao Mendes (Portugal)
1 February. Faro (Portugal), Algarve stadium