Victory Of Emotions

The Red-Greens' lineup for the Saturday battle at Cherkizovo saw four new names. The #1 position was taken by Guilherme, Roman Shishkin buddied with Aleksandr Sheshukov in the back of the midfield, Roman Pavlyuchenko spearheaded attacks instead of the suspended Dame N'Doye, and finally Maksim Grigoryev filled in the left winger position vacated by the injured Maicon.

With the starting whistle, Lokomotiv rushed for a goal. Grigoryev tried to chase the ball passed from midfield but couldn't. Yanbayev and Denisov kept on crossing to the box building up pressure. Aleksandr Samedov could have assisted if Roman Pavlyuchenko had reached the ball.

But despite Loko's domination Terek opened the score. Aleksandr Samedov passed to Mbark Boussoufa whose poor cross was intercepted and converted into a rapid counter-attack. Ailton shook off Yanbayev and took a shot that left Guilherme idling.

Two minutes later Pavlyuchenko had another opportunity. Roman received the ball on the right and blasted but Godzyur managed to block it.

When later the Railwaymen earned a corner, Samedov decided to curl it into the far corner but Kanu headed it out.

During the stoppage time Loko had the biggest opportunity to equalize. The ball came from a throw-in, Maksim Grigoryev headed it on to Boussoufa who saw Samedov in a good position and passed to him. Alas, Aleksandr missed the target from just metres away.

In the half-time, Taras Mikhalik substituted Aleksandr Sheshukov.

During the first 10 minutes of the second half Lokomotiv again were searching for a chance. In the 54th minute  Pavlyuchenko was knocked down near the area and the ref awarded the Red-Greens a free kick. Boussoufa went to take it but the ball shook a post.

Although soon the woodwork helped Guilherme. Ivanov ran into the area and passed to Ailton who lost Corluka and rifled at the corner.

Twenty minutes before the final whistle Lokomotiv leveled. Sergey Tkachyov won the aerial battle and passed to Pavlyuchenko who made no mistake from a 5-metre distance.

Inspired by the goal, the hosts besieged Godzyur's area which brought fruit. Samedov moved to the right and centered, finding Pavlyuchenko who hammered in a winner!

This sudden sting woke up Terek who rushed for an equalizer. Minutes before the whistle they earned a free kick at the corner of the box but Rybus wasted it.

Lokomotiv earned three points which took them back to the top of the table.

Lokomotiv - Terek 2:1 (0:1)

Goals: Ailton, 30 (0:1). Pavlyuchenko, 72 (1:1). Pavlyuchenko, 80 (2:1).

Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Yanbayev, Corluka, Durica, Denisov, Shishkin, Sheshukov (Mikhalik, 46), Samedov, Boussoufa (Ozdoyev, 87), Grigoryev (Tkachyov, 58), Pavlyuchenko.

Terek: Godzyur, Ojala, Semyonov, Temnikov, Komorowski, Mauricio, Kanu (Bokila, 75), Ivanov, Rybus, Lebedenko (Piris, 83), Ailton.

Yellow cards: Denisov, 15. Mauricio, 29. Komorowski, 37. Lebedenko, 55. Temnikov, 61. Boussoufa, 86. Corluka, 90.

Referee: Sergey Lapochkin (St Petersburg).

April 19. Moscow, Lokomotiv Stadium. 8 625 spectators.