Solid Victory In Austria

On Saturday Lokomotiv had their first friendly in Austria. The opposing side Ludogorets is well-known, the Railwaymen have an impressive record of playing against the Bulgarians: they two sides have already met twice in the pre-season friendlies in 2013 and 2014.

A small stadium in Strasswalchen was chosen as the game venue. In the morning it had hosted a child festival, and then many of the participants stayed to watch football.

The newly-appointed captain Vedran Corluka led the team. Our defender played solid as usual, he dismantled the opponent's’ attacks and directed his teammates.

Despite the high temperature, the teams started actively. Lokomotiv created their first chance during a rapid counter-attack. Kasaev carried the ball down half of the field and passed to Miranchuk who turned around and kicked the ball right into the goalie’s lap. Minutes later Grigoryev wasted a similar opportunity.

Ludogorets had their chances by the end of the first half but Guilherme saved both times. Marinato stopped the close-range shot and then blocked another dangerous attempt, immediately kicking the ball forward and starting an effective attack. Miranchuk received the ball from the goalie, covered it from three opponents and sent it home.

In half-time Lokomotiv coaches made four substitutions: Guilherme, Miranchuk, Maicon and Yanbaev were replaced by Kochenkov, Kolomeytsev, Samedov and Denisov.

In the 47th minute Lokomotiv could have doubled the lead if the goal would have been scored legally. Samedov crossed to Fernandes who sent the ball into the net but the linesman had signalled him offside. However, in the middle of the half Lokomotiv scored by the rules. Skuletic outran a fullback on the left flank and sent the ball to the back corner - a hallmark goal from a battering ram!

Late into the game Niasse could have made the score big but his flyer lacked accuracy.

Lokomotiv secured a solid victory and demonstrated substantial play and attack-mindedness. It’s clear the team know where they are going and what sort of football they want to show.

On July 7th Lokomotiv are playing another friendly against Qarabag.

Friendly

Lokomotiv - Ludogorets - 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: Miranchuk, 43 (1:0). Skuletic, 64

Lokomotiv: Guilherme (Kochenkov, 46), Shishkin, Corluka (Logashov, 61), Pejcinovic, Yanbaev (Denisov, 46), Tarasov (Mykhalyk, 72), Fernandes (Niasse, 72), Maicon (Samedov, 46), Al. Miranchuk (Kolomeytsev, 46), Kawaev (Skuletic, 61), Grigoryev (An. Miranchuk, 76).