Crucial Victory In Krasnodar

Lokomotiv won the match against Krasnodar FC during Gameweek 21 of the Russian Premier League.

The League table ahead of Gameweek 21 looked really congested at the top with only two points separating the third spot from the seventh. Lokomotiv’s immediate rivals CSKA, Spartak and Zenit took three points each while Rostov dropped two. To cut a long story short, it was essential to close the gap and not fall behind.

The Railroaders made a spirited start to the game. Kolomeytsev sent a long-range pearler only to check that Kritsyuk was ready and alert, while Samedov tested the goalie’s sweeping skills. Then play calmed down. The sides crafted a number of chances before half-time. Eventually, Lokomotiv opened the scoring through Durica who was found in the middle of the box by Mykhalyk. The latter lofted the ball inside after receiving a service from Samedov.

In the beginning of the second half, Krasnodar increased the pressure and succeeded in converting one of their chances. Pereyra got the ball after Mamayev’s pass and whacked it into the roof of the net from some seven meters. The goal did not dishearten Lokomotiv. Four minutes on, Henty almost restored our lead but failed to spurn two one-on-ones at full steam.

After all, the Railwaymen reached their goal. Samedov scored one of the week’s most beautiful goals when he volleyed past Kritsyuk on 68 minutesA. In the remaining time, the teams also picked up some yellow cards, but that was it. Currently ranking third, Lokomotiv are going off for a fortnight’s break.

ROSGOSSTRAKH Russian Football Championship, Gameweek 21

Krasnodar - Lokomotiv - 1:2 (0:1)
Goals scored: Durica, 39 (0:1). Pereyra, 58 (1:1). Samedov, 68 (1:2)

Krasnodar: Kritsyuk, Kaleshin, Granqvist, Strandberg, Torbinski, Gazinskiy (Joaozinho, 21), Ahmedov, Pereyra, Smolov (Podberyozkin, 77), Mamayev, Ari (Wanderson, 77)
Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Denisov, Corluka, Durica, Pejcinovic, Mykhalyk (Ndinga, 87), Tarasov, Samedov, Ignatiev (Kasaev, 65), Kolomeytsev (Miranchuk, 79), Henty.
Bookings: Mykhalyk, 20. Granqvist, 36. Pereyra, 84. Durica, 86. Kasaev, 92
Referee: Vladislav Bezborodov (Saint-Petersburg)
21 March. Krasnodar, Kuban stadium