Derby win for Lokomotiv

In yet another derby, Lokomotiv visited cross town Dynamo at Arena-Khimki with the hope of strenghtening their position towards an European berth. Putting in a laboured performance, personally one of the best of the season, Lokomotiv scraped a two-nil victory over the Blues. As it turned out to be, the match wasn't a straightforward one for Loko. Actually I believed that if Dynamo had a more experienced striker than the former Loko young Kokorin in their ranks, the result could have been a little different. However this doesn't mean that Lokomotiv's win was undeserved. All the eleven gave their heart out on the pitch and I do really wonder what Lokomtiv could hace been capable of achieving if Wagner hadn't been out for a month...challenge for the championship? Maybe... The only disappointing point was Odemwingie. Despite his undisputed talent, sometimes his decision making truly puzzle me. For example it's not the first time that instead of passing the ball with a possible counter attack he tracks back. I really don't know. He's a total different player when he wears the green of the Super Eagles.

For the derby, Semin opted for a conservative 4-4-1-1 formation. Having to make without the services of key player Sychev, Semin elected Odemwingie to fill his void. Wagner assisted the Nigerian while Gatagov, Torbisnky, Glushakov and Dujmovic completed the midfield. Yanbaev and Sennikov started on the right and left flank respectively while Rodolfo and Asatiani partnered each other for the first time in four matches. Undoubtely Guilherme completed the first eleven.

From the opening minutes Lokomotiv looked happy to stay at the back and hit with the counter. Unexpectedly things turned smooth for the railwayman. Eight minutes in and Loko drew first blood. A good combination from Gatagov and Wagner put Torbinsky in the perfect position to poke home the opener. Dynamo failed to reply for the goal and it was no surprise that this was the only goal of the first half. Apart of a chance a piece, Guilherme and Gabulov were rarely troubled. Actually, it was the hosts the first to trouble the keeper as Kerzhakov made the most of Loko's defence exposure and let off an angled shot which gave the illusion of a goal. This infuriated Semin and he even went out of his area to vent his anger at Loko's backline. On the other hand Loko's chance came through Gatagov who one on one with Gabulov failed to double the guests' advantage.

In the second half, Dynamo mentor Kobelev tried to increase the Blues' firepower infront by introducing former Loko striker Kokorin. Kobelev seemed to hit it right as within seconds the young striker unsettled Loko's defence, only to be stopped by the ref for a foul. Dynamo took the initiative and now were orchestrating the match. Alhthough they seemed the most likeliest to score, this wasn't the case as a quick counter attack put Loko 2 front. Torbinsky returned the favour as he turned provider to Wagner, who after running through the keeper, he cooly sent the ball in the bottom right corner. As a die hearted fan Semin went wild. Such behaviour is justified when there is a Champions League to play for... After the goal the match lost its rhythym and actually nothing of note did happen till the end of the encounter. 2-0 was the final score, a result that ensure that Loko and Zenit go head to head for a place in the Champions League with a match to spare. Go Loko; hope Spartak do us a big favour!! Honour your Capital mates!!

Player Ratings:
Guilherme - 6.5 - Nothing notable to do. Composed as ever.

Sennikov - 6.5 - Put in a good performance despite playing out of position. Some shaky moments at the beginning, but Sennikov grew immensly as minutes went by

Asatiani - 7 - Composed as ever

Rodolfo - 7.5 - If Russia had such defender in their ranks they won't be watching the upcoming World Cup on TV. Made two great blocks and together with Asatiani completly marked Kerhzakov out of the match.

Yanbaev - 7 - After a tormenting week for the Russian international, the left full back put in another good performance as he combined well down the left wing.

Dujmovic - 7 - Bossed the midfield

Glushakov - 7.5 - Industrious performance from the Russian midfielder.

Torbinsky - 7.5 - Was believed to be dejected after Russia's elimination. If it was so for sure he put that disapointment behind as he put in one of the best performances of the season

Gatagov - 7 - Found Wagner perfectly for the first goal. Should have scored though.

Wagner - 8 - Amazing performance from the Brazilian wizard. His technique is extraordinary. Got himself on the scoresheet and provided the assist for the first goal. Made things extremly difficult for Dynamo.

Odemwingie - 6.5 - Good performance; nothing extraordinary thou... He is capable of much more better...

Substitutions

Kuzmin - 6.5 - brought in to protect the back four and did was requested to him

Kocis - N/A - no time available