I felt it coming and I was right. As from the first minute to the minute Loskov was introduced, Lokomotiv was second to Lausanne-Sports in all departments. Although player-to-player Lokomotiv are much better, Lokomotiv for once again failed to play as a team and actually could or even should consider themselves lucky that they managed to return to Russia on the upper hand. Although Lokomotiv are still in pole position to qualify, with this current form and morale I believe that the tie is far from won for Lokomotiv.
Should they play the way they did in the first period, Lokomotiv would never score. Loko's midfield was utterly disastrous as before Loskov entrance Lokomotiv were totally incapable of constructing a notable attack and even to defend against a side who are technically limited. The worse of them all were Maicon, Glushakov and on top of them Tarasov, who was literally poor. Clumsy in possesion and nearly gave away a ball for every one he won. Nevertheless, although they were really poor, I think that now it's time for Semin to scrap his 4-5-1 system. Sad to say but it's true. Loko's players doesn't suit the system. If you watched closely the match yesterday, the squad was divided into two parts, the attacking department and the defending department. The midfield department was inexistent. The huge gap in between was absurd. When Lokomotiv were in attack, the defence often stayed too back while practically all the midfielders apart Tarasov were too close to our opponents gate while when Lokomotiv were recalled back to defend, the most of the times Lokomotiv were on the wrong foot.
Moreover Burlak and Rodolfo were all but secure - they must be thankful to Guilherme as on several times singlehandedly saved Lokomotiv. Actually all the team must thank the Brazilian keeper as without his help Lokomotiv would have surely lost. Moreover, I believe that this tactic doesn't take out the best from Aliev, who personally is more suited in a central position were he could spray around balls and possibly pounce on lost balls. By playing on the wings or rooming around Sychev, yesterday Aliev was largely anonymous. Torbinsky tried to do a trick or two, but as the whole team failed. As soon as Loskov went onfield, Loko's problem was immediately exposed. With a formation where Aliev was too far up and Tarasov too far down, Lokomotiv were lacking a player who pull the strings in the midfield. Thus it wasn't a surprise that when Loskov was introduced right at the middle of the park, Lokomotiv started to function. The way he sprayed the ball around was breathtaking and eventually instilled confidence in the team. A true leader.
Back to the chronicle, the match started a lot of play at the middle of park as both parts failed to construct anything notable. Lokomotiv went close from long range through Aliev. Lausanne tried to respond and they nearly did with high colours as Ridge Munsy nearly opened the score for homeside, but Guilherme replied well. Guilherme was once again on his toes as some minutes later Lausanne-Sport threatened again. Nevertheless, soon after Lausanne went deservedly ahead. An inswinging corner was dealt poorly by Lokomotiv and the ball felt to Traore who without thinking twice let off a screamer which not even 4 goalkeepers would have saved it. Beautiful goal and the home fans erupted. On the other hand Lokomotiv were shell-shocked while other players shocked their heads in disbelief. Aliev and Sychev tried to take the iniative themselves and the former went as close as hitting the upright from a practically zero angle. Unlucky. That was all for the first period and Loko went to the break one-nil down.
Semin tried to inject some much need firepower and introduced much-maligned Traore in the place of the very poor Maicon. Although clumsy as much as you want, the Malian striker gave Lokomotiv a new dimension as at least Lokomotiv started to construct some credit worthy moves. Actually it was the Malian who went close as at full stretch he failed to connect with Aliev's powerful cross shot. Soon afterwards Glushakov managed to make the impossible and shot out from an ideal position. That was his last contribution as Loskov replaced Glushakov and finally Lokomotiv started to function. Nevertheless, it was the Swiss outfit who threatened as Ridge Munsy header bounced onto both the crossbar and the upleft before bouncing out. Guilherme breath a sigh of relief. Seconds later Guilherme ran out and saved Lokomotiv once again. This was Lausanne's last attack as from then on it was all Lokomotiv and eventually managed to draw the match. Loskov played a perfect ball to Traore, who in turn headed down to Sychev who volleyed home through the keepers legs. Buoyed by the goal, Lokomotiv picked up themselves and minutes later Loskov rattled the crossbar from a long range out. Lokomotiv continued to construct some good moves but unfortunately time ran out for Lokomotiv and had to content with a one-one draw.
Player Ratings:
Guilherme - 8.5
Saved Lokomotiv on several times by producing two world class saves in the process. No chance with the goal.
Shishkin - 7
Held his own. The best of the bunch at the back.
Burlak - 5
His lack of experience was exposed time and time again.
Rodolfo - 5
Should have helped his younger college but not only failed to do so but also let Lausanne's strikers to get the best of him
Yanbaev - 5.5
Left his trademark runs in Moscow
Tarasov - 4
Poor. Lost a ball for every one he won. Clumsy in possesion too.
Maicon - 4.5
Didn't managed to get past one defender let alone threaten
Glushakov - 5
Ran like a headless chicken.
Aliev - 6
Tried his best but failed to rally his troops
Torbinsky - 5.5
Failed to impress
Sychev - 7
Screwed a header but took his goal very well.
Substitutes:
Traore - 7
Failed to score but gave Lokomotiv a new dimension. Assisted Sychev for the goal.
Loskov - 8.5
A heroic cameo. Showed his teammates how the ball should be passed around. Amazing vision. Creative and inspiring.
Gatagov - 5
Faded out after 5 minutes.
