Lokomotiv finally wins

Finally, Lokomotiv's winless streak is over. 4 matches without a win made yesterday's match against Rostov a must win encounter; something which Lokomotiv delivered succesfully. Goals at the end of both halves from Bilyaletdinov and Sychev paved the way for a long awaited victory. Despite leaving the same starting formation, Semin made 2 changes from the match against Dynamo. The return of Asatiani meant that Croation Dujmovic could play in his favourite position. Charles was the unfortunate to lose his place. On the other hand the young Pavlov made his debut in the Russian Premier Liga when he came in for the suspended Kuzmin. Guilherme started between the posts, while Rodolfo and Yanbaev completed the backline four. Glushakov partnered Dujmovic in the middle while Odemwingie and Gatagov startet on the flanks. On the other hand Bilyaletdinov played behind Sychev.

Lokomotiv started the game strongly and it was clear that this time round Lokomotiv were determined to put their streak to an ubrupt end. On the other hand formor Lokomotiv man Igor Lebedenko seemed to play with fire in his belly as he was a constant threat throughout the first minutes. Neverthless, it was Lokomotiv who came close through a Sychev's shot. As time passed, Lokomotiv piled up pressure on Rostov as both Sychev and Glushakov tried their luck with however no result. Eventually, it was no surprise when Bilyaletdinov broke the deadlock through a well-taken Loskov-like freekick. Lokomotiv Stadium erupted!

Encouraged by their first very positive half, Lokomotiv came out even more eager to impress in the second one. After some passive 15 minutes from the home side in which Rostov hero Osinov tried his luck from distance, Lokomotiv uped their game again and tried to close the match. On the 65th minute the fans at the stadium witnessed one of the best Loko's moves of this season. Sychev picked up a ball on the left and after dribbling an opponent, he played a pin point pass to Bilya, who in turn return the favour to Sychev with a back heel. Sychev faked a shot, by thus putting two defenders K.O. and when everyone was certain that Sychev will finally break his duck in open play, the unthinkable happened; Sychev shot direct to the goalkeeper, a breaking-heart moment for all Lokomotiv fans; including me. I couldn't believe to my eyes. I felt utterly bad for the lad. Just couldn't help myself but feel sorry for Dima. Semin tried to refresh Lokomotiv and thus replaced the tired Gatagov with Fininho. When everything was looking that Lokomotiv was going to record a one-nil victory, Sychev finally scored from open play. Odemwingie bursted into the box from the right and his cross, deflected by a defender in blue and yellow found his way to Sychev who tapped the ball in. Replays showed that Sychev was maybe a little bit offside, BUT for sure the Russian striker deserved the goal for all what he done on the pitch. Best of luck Sychev, I just hope that this goal will boost your confidence!!! Can wait to watch you play the way we, Lokomotiv fans know! Forza Sychev!!!

The match was refereed by Nikolay Ivanov from Saint Petersburg.

Player Ratings:

Guilherme - 6.5 - Apart from a poor outing, the Brazilian was strong throughout all match.

Yanbaev - 6.5 - Troubled a little bit by Gatskan but grew as the match progressed on. Linked up well with Odemwingie

Asatiani - 8.5 - Prefering Levenets over Pelizzoli was bizarre, but overlooking Asatiani was literally outrageous!!! What does Rakhimov was thinking when he tried to get rid of Asatiani? A man of the match performance!! An absolute tower; let nothing getting past behind him and inspired confidence throughout all the team with his composure. Sprayed some good passes as well.

Rodolfo - 7.5 - Like his college, Rodolfo was strong at the back. Won some good balls and also tried his luck with a good shot. Looking forward for the Asa-Rod partnership!!!

Pavlov - 6 - As every debutant Pavlov started the match a little bit wobbly. However grew massively in the second half. Proposed very well sometimes.

Dujmovic - 7.5 - Dominated the midfield. Great stamina, aggresiveness and work rate. A really strong match from the Croation on his return to his proper position

Glushakov - 6.5 - Good game from the Lokomotiv youth graduat
Odemwingie - 7 - Looked more sharp than last time. Tracked back well when needed. If he continue to show this attitude I may start liking him.

Gatagov - 6.5 - Good showing from the young lad. However needs to learn that you cannot win your team a match by yourself. Won the freekick with which Lokomotiv opened the score.

Bilyaletdinov - 7.5 - Lively showing from the captain. Linked-up very well with Sychev and the rest and took his goal very well. Tracked back everytime when needed

Sychev - 7.5 - Apart of spoiling that chance, Sychev was a constant threat throughout all match. Ran past players at relative ease and at times created havoc within the Rostov backline. Amazing work rate and made life very hard for the Rostov defenders. Never gave up, even when tackles went in hard.

Substitutions

Fininho - 6 - (78 mins - Gatagov) No time to impress, however one good run down the left

Mudjiri - N/A - (89 mins - Pavlov) Entered the fray late in the game. Neverthless managed to take a shot.