Lost To Amkar
Lokomotiv have lost to Amkar in Gameweek 10 of the ROSGOSSTRAKH Russian Championship.
The second-ranking team of the championship was entertaining the bottom-dwellers - these games rarely bring surprises. However, Amkar stand out. Their defence can easily be named one of the best in the league. At least, they are ranking fourh least-conceding side, standing right behind the table leaders Zenit, Krasnodar, and Rostov.
Meanwhile, good in the back, Amkar are appalling up front - only two goals in nine games. Looking at these stats hardly anyone could say they would open the score on 46 seconds. Gashchenkov picked up the ball at the edge of the penalty area, worked it and sent into the upper corner.
Having scored this early opener, Amkar pulled all men back. When Lokomotiv started offensives, the visitors built three lines of defence. In this situation the Railroaders could only count on the long-range attempts, and Fernandes tried shooting twice.
It was Manu who set up for Alexey Miranchuk in what proved to be the most promising opportunity in the first half. The Portuguese passed the ball to the area for Alexey, the youngster centered to Barinov who tried to heel it home while Eder attracted defenders. Gashchenkov cleared the danger, anyway.
In the second half, nothing changed much. Amkar defended even tighter and forgot about attacking. Lokomotiv kept failing to capitalize on their total advantage in possession, the second striker Farfan, and a great number of corners our team played in the closing minutes.
Lokomotiv have suffered a second defeat this season. On Thursday we are travelling to Samara for a Cup tie against the local Krylya Sovetov.
ROSGOSSTRAKH Russian Championship. Gameweek 10.
Lokomotiv - Amkar - 0:1 (0:1)
Goal: Gashchenkov, 1 (0:1)
Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Barinov (Kolomeytsev, 46), Kverkvelia, Pejcinovic, Farfan, I.Denisov, V.Denisov (Rybus, 46), Fernandes, An.Miranchuk, Al.Miranchuk, Eder
Amkar: Nigmatullin, Miljkovic, Zanev, Zaytsev, Conde, Balanovich (Ryazantsev, 84), Gashchenkov (Gol, 62), Sivakov, Komolov, Forbes, Belorukov
Bookings: Belorukov, 14. Pejcinovic, 39. Conde, 63.
Referee: Kirill Levnikov (St Petersburg)
September 18, 2017. Moscow, RZD-Arena Stadium.
