Second Victory In Row

The game between Anji and Lokomotiv was a meeting of old friends. Before the start, Loko’s coaches were seen chatting with Yuri Syomin. Manu Fernandes and Hugo Almeida, former Beşiktaş teammates, greeted each other warmly. Arseniy Logashov and Mbark Boussoufa know many Anji players, just like Andrey Yeshchenko knows many on the Lokomotiv squad. But with the whistle blown, the friendly warmness gave way to the heat of the action. The teams challenged each other with high pace and open football. Almost every advance towards a penalty area posed a threat.

The score was opened by Anji. Taking advantage of the mistake made by the Lokomotiv players in the centre, Lukman scored in a one-on-one duel with the keeper. The Railroaders’ response came in two minutes. Samedov made a lobbed pass at Skuletic, who headed the ball into the net. Already in the next offensive, Miranchuk received a great pass from Denisov and had to score but the keeper smothered the ball.

In the second half the players moderated their pace. The teams exchanged shots in the 54th minute. Getting a lofted ball from the flank, Miranchuk had a go at Pomazan’s goal. In the rapid counter-attack Ebecilio wasted his one-on-one opportunity.

Anji and Lokomotiv kept the drama for the last minutes. Just 13 before the end, Maicon caught Shishkin crossed for Maicon who headed it home taking advantage of Pomazan’s mistake. In the next episode the Brazilian heeled the ball to Kasaev who curved it into the back of the net. 3:1, Lokomotiv secures their second successive league victory.

Russian Football Premier League. Gameweek 2.

Anji - Lokomotiv – 1:3 (1:1)
Goals: Lukman, 15 (1:0). Skuletic, 17 (1:1). Maicon, 77 (1:2). Kasaev, 82 (1:3)

Anji: Pomazan, Gadzhibekov, Zhirov, Yeshchenko, Moutari (Hugo Almeida, 84), Maksimov (Abdulavov, 63), Ebecilio, Boli, Lazic (Zotov, 25), Haruna, Maevskiy.
Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Shishkin, Corluka, Pejcinovic, Denisov, Mykhalyk (Ndinga, 85), Kolomeytsev, Samedov (Yanbaev, 90), Al.Miranchuk, Kasaev, Skuletic (Maicon, 66).
Bookings: Maksimov, 47. Miranchuk, 86.
Referee: Sergey Ivanov (Rostov-on-Don)
July, 27. Kaspiysk. Anji-Arena stadium