Lokomotiv rips Samara off their wings

In a one-match sided match Lokomotiv continued their recent positive run and with little difficulty downed Krylya Sovetov by three goals to one. An auto-goal by Shishkin in at the end of first half paved the win for an easy victory for the visitors. Sychev doubled the lead (thus scoring the first goal in action) and within minutes Gatagov virtually secured the three points for the men in red. Recall that this was Gatagov first ever goal for Lokomotiv. Despite Krylya clawed one back deep in stoppage time the match was over and lost for them. Semin played the usual 4-2-3-1 formation and made a two changes from last week's encounter. Charles was favoured over Gatagov while Kuzmin returned from suspension. Guilherme started between the sticks while Yanbaev, Asatiani, Rodolfo and Kuzmin completed the back four. Dujmovic and Charles protected the back four while Bilyaletdinov, Odemwingie and Glushakov completed the midfield, with the latter two starting on the flanks, right and left respectively. Sychev started up front.

The match started with a pacey way. Despite that in the first minutes it seemed that Krylya were going to be the more dangerous within minutes Lokomotiv took full control of the match and started passing the ball around in a pleasant way. Odemwingie seemed to be playing with fire in his belly as he got passed past the Krylyski defenders with relative ease. Actually on the quarter mark Odemwingie picked up a ball on the right and after squezzing past two defenders he curled a shoot which skimmed the post. Within minutes Odemwingie came close again. Although Lokomotiv were dominating possesion, the final pass was lacking. On the 40th minute Lokomotiv opened the score. A cross from the right by the mighty Dujmovic directed to Sychev was turned in the net by the unfortunate Shiskin. To be sincere I pieted the young Krylya lad but that's football. 1-0 was the score at half time.

After a strong first half Lokomotiv came out to continue were they left. Although they continuted to administer the game, however I felt that the team was taking Krylya a little bit lightly. Hope I was wrong though. Actually it was Krylya who created the first chance of the match. A 25 metre pilediver from a Kalachev's freekick was turned around the post by Guilherme, albeit with some difficulty. After some minutes Koller was brought on field and it was clear that this was the waking up call for Lokomotiv. On his first seconds on pitch Koller created havoc within the Lokomotiv defence. Semin responded by replacing Gatagov with the tiring Glushakov and the wily old Russian got it tremendously right! On his first run, Gatagov skipped two defenders and crossed to the centre which was turned in by Sychev, who gave Lobos no chance. Good move and goal by the capitals! With 15 minutes to go, the Krylya players called for a penalty for a minimal contact between Adjindjal and Asatiani. Although there was contact I don't believe that it was of a penalty.In the next move, Lokomotiv virtually closed the match. Bilyaletdinov freed Odemwingie on the left, and the latter's pass was met by Gatagov who made no mistake from 5 metres out. With 3 points in the bag, Lokomotiv slowed down the rythym and started to pass around the ball. When the 3-0 was written on the wall, Krylya were given a penalty for a hand ball of Rodolfo. Adamov cooly sent the keeper the wrong side and thus made the score more respectable for the home side. A comfortable victory for the Railwaymen!

Player Ratings

Guilherme - 7 - Composed as always. Made one great stop from Kalachev and looked confident in air.

Yanbaev - 7 - Good at the back, better in attack. Made some good overlaps and combined well with Odemwingie.

Asatiani - 6.5 - Good match from the centre back. However showed some lapses of concentration. Strong outwing neverthless.

Rodolfo - 7 - Another strong performance from the Brazilian. One good block in the second half

Kuzmin - 6.5 - Defended and linked-up well with the attack.

Dujmovic - 7 - Now, I can hardly see a Lokomotiv Dujmovic-less. Won the midfield and let nothing getting past him

Charles - 7 - Impressed throughout the match. Rarely missed a chance and won some good balls. Wondering why Rakhimov wanted to sell the Brazilian. . .

Odemwingie - 7 - Started very strong but somehow faded in the second half. Provided the assist for the third goal.

Bilyaletdinov - 7 - Some fine touches but quieter than usual. Seemed tired

Glushakov - 6.5 - A true machine. Good match.

Sychev - 7 - A lively performance from the Omsk-born man. Took his goal very well. His confidence seemed to be back

Substitutions

Gatagov - 7.5 - His entrance brought two goals for Lokomotiv. However, I need to underline that the lad should learn to keep things simple. Strong performance from the youngster. A real gem of a player.

Durica - N/A - Entered late in the game.

Fall - N/A - Barely touched the ball.