Last Sunday, Lokomotiv Stadium was the stage for the showpiece between two teams who are vying for an Europa League place, that is Lokomotiv and Rostov. Although only three points seperated the two sides before the encounter, everyone was betting on the homeside to record a victory - actually Lokomotiv never lost against Rostov since the inception of the Russian Premier League. Although Lokomotiv were the better side, especially in the second period, Lokomotiv lacked the cutting edge for once again and were unable to severely trouble Rostov's Belarussian keeper. To make matters worse Lokomotiv lost their talisman Aliev midway in the second half as the Ukranian ace was shown his second yellow card for diving. Thus, Aliev will be suspended for the upcoming match against Krylya Sovetov Samara. While Sychev did his best and went close with a chipped shot from outside, the only real positive of the match was Maicon, who never gave up and showed his affection towards the club by hurrying Rostov's player out of the field when the latter was substituted. The home fans seemed to appreciate the gesture as they cheered the Brazilian instantly. On the other hand, sadly, Renat Yanbaev was the worst player on pitch as undoubtedly he produced the worst performance ever in the red-green shirt - but anyways, every player will have a bad day someday, and today it was Renat's turn. Moreover, in a surprising move Semin relegated Asatiani to the bench for the first time in this season - his place was taken by Montenegrin Marko Basha.
The first half practically produced nothing. Rostov's keeper Amelchenko was never severily troubled as Lokomotiv could only come close through long range shots from Glushakov and Maicon. Eventually Lokomotiv paid the price as Rostov went ahead through Valikaev's header. Lokomotiv seemed to be hit cold by the goal as they couldn't produce something of note for the remaining ten minutes of the first half. 1-0 was the score at half-time.
With Lokomotiv looking uninspiring in the first half, Semin tried to inject some life in the second period by withdrawing Tarasov and Glushakov for Wagner and Traore respectively. Although Lokomotiv were looked better than they were in the first half time, they couldn't trouble Rostov's backline as Rostov dealt with Lokomotiv's attacking moves very comfortably. The only time Lokomotiv troubled Rostov in the opening minutes was when Sychev went close by lobbing the ball over the onrushing Amelchenko from long range out. Minutes later Adamov was booked for diving and soon later Aliev was booked for the same offence. Unlike Adamov however, Aliev was already booked and thus was given his marching orders. Semin refused to gave and thus tried to induce some power by introducing in place of the tired Torbinsky - unfortunately the move failed to yield any dividends as Lokomotiv were unable to claw one back. Thus at the end of the day, it was Rostov who celebrated a famous victory. The highlights can be viewed by clicking here.
Player Ratings
Guilherme - 5.5
Rarely troubled. His only contribution was to pick the ball out of the net.
Smolnikov - 6
Was Loko's most consistent attaking threat throughout the whole match. Growing match by match.
Basha - 5
Never truly tested
Rodolfo - 5
Mixed performance from the Brazilian defender. Did some important interceptions but spilled some balls too.
Yanbaev - 3.5
Everything went bad for him today. A pity - let's hope that he has the mental strength to put his performance behind as arguably he was on the best players this season - personally only second to Aliev.
Tarasov - 5
Too much passive. Tried his luck too on several times but had no luck at all.
Torbinsky - 6
Provided some much needed aggressiveness in Loko's midfield.
Maicon - 6.5
Never gave up - even when things went from bad to worse.
Aliev - 5
Left his teammates in an awkward position. Given that Aliev was Loko's best attacking outlet, everything was over for Lokomotiv when he let frustration take over and get himself sent off.
Glushakov - 5
Replaced in the half time as practically he produced nothing in the first period.
Sychev - 6.5
Huffed and puffed but couldn't break his duck.
Substitutions
Traore - 5.5
Lokomotiv were a little bit better in attack once he was sent on field.
Wagner - 5
Apart one solo run, the Brazilian was anonymous.
Gatagov - N/A
No time to impress
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