Defeat From Kuban

Lokomotiv succumbed to defeat against Kuban FC on Gameweek 28 of the ROSGOSSTTAKH Russian Championship.

There were a few changes in Lokomotiv’s starting XI compared to the previous match. Corluka was placed at the centre of defence alongside Pejcinovic, Fernandes returned to fill the centre midfield berth with Zhemaletdinov starting at winger's position. The first chance came through Rifat, who linked up with Denisov as Vitaliy played the ball across the penalty area.

Zhemaletdinov also launched the attack that would set up Samedov for a shot. Then Xandao lunged to clear. And it was Rifat, yet again, who applied the last touch to Samedov’s lobbed free-kick, sending it narrowly high.

In the second half Lokomotiv kept pressing Kuban. The Railwaymen created an enormous number of chances. Miranchuk fired from middle range but hit the bar. Fernandes and Henty had a go at goal each from 15 meters, but Belenov saved. In another situation Samedov curled the ball towards the far corner - over the woodwork. Luck turned its back on Lokomotiv time and again.

At the other end, one of Kuban’s rare counters earned them a penalty. And it was converted by Pavlyuchenko.

Late into the game, Lokomotiv crafted another brilliant chance as Samedov won possession on the touchline, sucked the keeper out, rolled the ball inside to Zhemaletdinov… It went over the gaping goal - 0:1.

On May 15 Lokomotiv will face Zenit.

ROSGOSSTRAKH Russian Championship, Gameweek 28

Lokomotiv - Kuban - 0:1 (0:0)
Goals scored: Pavlyuchenko, 79 (from penalty) (0:1)

Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Denisov, Pejcinovic (Ndinga, 60), Corluka, Shishkin, Mykhalyk, Miranchuk, Fernandes, Zhemaletdinov, Samedov, Skuletic (Henty, 46)
Kuban: Belenov, Xandao, Armas, Apodi (Mayrovich, 87), Zotov, Santana, Bugayev, Balde, Khubulov (Lobkaryov, 76), Karetnik (Kontsedalov, 75), Pavlyuchenko
Bookings: Khubulov, 75. Corluka, 78. Balde, 85
Referee: Sergey Lapochkin (Saint-Petersburg)
11 May. Moscow, Lokomotiv Stadium