Lokomotiv Moscow held at bay

Today, with just 2 rounds remaining the stage was set for an epic encounter between two teams who are in dire need of points as while the hosts are pushing for an Europa League place, the visitors knew that only a victory would have kept their chances of saving themselves from the agony of relegation open. Unfortunately neither team was able to win and both had to content with a draw which pleased no one. This is because while Lokomotiv lost the chance to leapfrog Spartak Nalchik by two points, Sibir Novosibirsk's failure to win the game meant that next season they will be playing First Division football. A pity. This is because despite all their limitations, Sibir played one of the most exciting football in the Premier League and for sure deserved anything better than relegation. Anyways that's football and while for sure Sibir fans are very disappointed, our set of supporters aren't for sure better. This is because although Lokomotiv dominated from start to finish and created a clear cut chance after another, they couldn't turn such dominance into goals. Obviously Sibir had their share of luck but for sure blame should also be put onto our forwards who in certain circumstances should have done better. At first view this phrase may refer to Gatagov who done the impossible and missed an opel goal from 2 metres but in truth it isn't. This is because although it's obvious that Gatagov should have done a lot better, there were other player or two who failed to perform and were visibly complacent. Unfortunately, Lokomotiv were made to pay a high price for such complacency as with minutes remaining and against the run of play, Sibir scored a goal in almost an identical manner of the one Sibir scored last August against us.

Inexplicably, Yury Semin opted to give Malkhaz Asatiani a rare start while Rodolfo replaced the suspended Jan Durica as left centreback. Guilherme started in goal while Shishkin and Yanbaev started on the flanks. Denis Glushakov, who recently cemented his place in the starting eleven mantained his place while Dmitry Tarasov was dropped in favour of Igor Smolnikov, who started on the right. Loskov and Aliev supported Sychev while Torbinsky started on the left.

Lokomotiv, with the intent of opening the score and ease some pressure came out aggresively and within 3 minutes Glushakov severily troubled Solosin with a long range drive. Minutes later Torbinsky provided an inviting cross to Smolnikov who from a good position could only hit poorly. Despite the high intensity start, the hosts couldn't keep up with the momentum and although they enjoyed the lion share of possesion, the low tempo meant that Solosin rarely called was onto action. By then the match became quite boring and the fact that up to the 35th minute the referee just whistled 6 fouls in all signified this. And eventually, apart of a half-a-chance apiece there was no final drama as the referee, who was the only enjoying the game (due to the low work involved) whistled for the break.

Yury Semin, knowing that something has to change but having no striker at his disposal opted for a decision which mystified not one but many. Tarasov came in for Torbinsky but instead of positioning himself at the middle of the park, he slotted in at the back to partner Asatiani. Those present at the stadium or watching the match were left bewildered by such decision and for some moments were left wondering what Semin had in mind. Nevertheless as both sides settled down and the formation started to take shape, everything became clear. What happened was that given that Semin had no strikers, he moved Rodolfo into attack together with Sychev and put Tarasov at the back. What's even more surprising was the fact that on the bench there were two centrebacks in the form of Burlak and Marko Basa. Anyways, although such change raised an eyebrow or two, Semin proved the doubters wrong as from the initial minute Lokomotiv were visibly a much better and organized unit. Nevertheless, despite such improvement Lokomotiv still failed to test Solosin and actually had to wait till the hour stroke in order to create something of note and heep some pressure on the visitors. The first one to try his luck was Dmtriy Loskov, who from a decent position could only send the ball into the orbit. Seconds later, in a subsequent fashion, both Aliev and Rodolfo tried to surprise Solosin from distance, but as all their predecessors they couldn't break the dreadlock. Nevertheless Lokomotiv, pushed by the home crowd continued to pressure the relegation battlers and finally they managed to open the score. Dmitry Sychev who after battling well between three opponents for the ball managed to break free and after dumming Vychodil, he powerfully struck onto the right bottom corner thus giving the keeper no chance at all. Lokomotiv Stadium erupted. Lokomotiv immediately gained confidence and actually within 3 minutes they could have put the match to bet. This however wasn't to be as Gatagov unbelievally spurned a chance that for sure he will remember for ever. What happened was that after Solosin failed to handle Aliev long range freekick and subsequently Sychev's and Loskov's effort, the ball stopped some metre and a half away from the goaline and with practically an open goal and few pressure, the prospective left winger instead of crushing the ball towards the goal went for the spectacular and tried to angle his effort. Unfortunately and to the amazement of the hosts, Gatagov miserably failed his effort and Sibir players together with those in red couldn't believe just what happened. The whole stadium felt cold while Gatagov was close to burst into tears!! Poor guy!! Nevertheless, this only showed things to come! Seconds later the bar came to the rescue for Sibir from a pinpoint Rodolfo header and just seconds later Rodolfo brought out the very best from Solosin with another immaculative header. Sibir tried to reply and in a rare attack they nearly shocked the home crowd but thankfully Guilherme was alert to parry the ball away. With ten minutes to go the crossbar once again came rescued Sibir as Sychev was denied a deserved beauty. Semin, keeping in mind that Sibir are the kings of very late late goals withdrew Aliev for the youngster Burlak. Although I was still weary that we could drop points at the death end, for a reason or another I felt more comfortable and confident when I saw a defender coming on...but hell, I was wrong. Sibir were awarded a freekick and with the home players concentrated on heading out any potential cross, they literally forgot Molosh unmarked at the middle of the park. In poor words they allowed him to do what he is best at, that is hammering goals from impossible ranges. The Belarussian left-back took advantage and to the disbelief of the crowd, Sibir drew the match. Loko players were left shell shocked while Sibir were visibly motivated and had the believe that they could snatch a memorable winner. However with the time running out, Sibir couldn't ride their luck and eventually had to settle for a draw which condemned them to relegation. On the other hand Lokomotiv were left rueing two dropped points which coming the end of the season may prove costly. Anyways while I wish the best of luck to our players for the remaining two matches, I wish Sibir a speedy return back to the Premier League. On the other I would like to congratulate Zenit St. Petersburg who yesterday were crowned post-Soviet Russian Champions for the second time in their history. Congratulations!

Player Ratings:

Guilherme - 6.5
Did one great stop on Grzelak. Nothing much to do with Molosh thunderbolt.

Shishkin - 8

I just hope that the Loko hierarchy were watching the match. This is because I just can't understand how they are mulling over offering him a contract extension or not. Unbelievable!! Please wake up before we lose a player which may not even decently replace!

Asatiani - 6

Steady but unspectacular

Rodolfo - 8

Strong at the back, irresistable in attack. If only he had 1% luck of Inzaghi's...

Yanbaev - 6

His final ball was often lacking

Glushakov - 7.5

Another great showing from the Lokomotiv midfielder. Never stopped running and troubled Solosin on several times too.
Smolnikov - 5.5

Tried to take the initiative but the lack of match practice was evident. Moreover often let down by the final ball

Loskov - 6

Tried to inspire. Could have done better with that chance.

Aliev - 6

His corners were great but his freekicks left much to be desired.

Torbinsky - 5

Poor. Replaced at half time.

Sychev - 8

Scored a great goal and denied an even greater one.

Substitutes:
Tarasov - 6

Played out of position. Cannot be blamed

Gatagov - N/A

Better not to award a rating. I just hope that he is mentally strong enough to overcome such disappointment. Looking back won't help. Pluck up some courage man!

Burlak - N/A
Came on to shore the defence but failed. Not to blame thou