Lokomotiv win and book their place in the Europa League

Following Lokomotiv's last week slow down against Sibir Novosibirsk, yesterday a win was imperative in order to continue to challenge for an Europa League slot. Thankfully, Lokomotiv delivered and with Spartak Nalchik's result against Amkar going into our way, it meant that Nalchik's loss was Loko's gain as it guaranteed Thursday European football next season. Moreover, while the fifth place is guaranteed, Lokomotiv may even surpass Spartak Moscow to the fourth place if Spartak fail to win and Lokomotiv manage to win at home versus Rubin Kazan. Apart of the fact that it would be pleasant to overcome our rivals and finish the season in the same position we finished last year, such 4th place would mean that Lokomotiv will skip the 2011-2012 UEFA Europa League third qualifying round and goes directly into the Play-off round! Nevertheless, should Lokomotiv fail to surpass Spartak, for sure the guys should be proud of what they have done in the last 2 months. This because of the disastrous August few were betting on Lokomotiv that coming the end of the season they will be in an Europe qualifying position. Lokomotiv, by showing tremendous character replied to the critics and by making a considerable improvement in their performances, they managed to move up the ladder and give their fans European football nights. Recall that last August Lokomotiv were languishing in the 9th place.

For the match in Rostov-na-donu, Yury Semin welcomed Jan Durica back from suspension and together with Marko Basha, the two were re-installed at the back. This meant that while Asatiani was relegated to the bench, Rodolfo retained his place in the initial line-up and as happened in the second period of the match versus Sibir, the big Brazilian defender played as a striker. Dmitry Sychev assisted him while Igor Smolnikov kept his place on the right. Loskov captained the side while Denis Glushakov and Dmitry Tarasov ran the midfield for Lokomotiv. Obviously, Guilherme started in goal and such appearance ensured him that next week he can make the 50th league appearance for Lokomotiv Moscow.

Although Rostov had nothing to play for, they came out looking to impress and give their fans something to cheer about in the last home match of the season. Eventually Semin saw this and in the opening minutes Lokomotiv were happy to let Rostov take the iniative and try to hit them on the counter. Eventually the hosts were the first to threaten as Dragan's Blatnyak long range freekick bounced onto the crossbar. Thankfully Roman Shishkin was agile enough to clear into a corner as two Rostov's strikers were ready to pounce onto the lose ball. Rostov threatened once again with a close header and moments later on-loan midfielder Aleksandr Pavlenko went for the spectalur with a personal initiative. However Guilherme was on his toes to dive to his left and gather the ball. On the half-hour mark, finally Lokomotiv registered a shot at goal as Yanbaev tried to surprise Radic from distance. Moments later Rodolfo was the next one to threaten as his curling goal-bound shot brought out a finger-tip save from Radic. From the resultant corner and subsequent action, Lokomotiv were awarded a penalty for an adjudged hands from Zivanovic. Rostov players protested furiously but replays showed that the ref was quite right to whistle for a penalty as the hands was more intentional than not. In the absence of Aliev, Loskov stepped up for the penalty, but incredibly Loskov's effort was brilliantly saved from Radic, albeit with the help of the crossbar. The ball fell onto the path of Loskov again who tried to redeem himself with a diving header but amazingly the keeper was already on his feet to tip the ball away. Incredible double save from Loskov! That was all in the first half as Lokomotiv had the endure tough luck for the second week in the running. Nevertheless prior to the break Yury Semin was forced to make the first substitution as Smolnikov had to go off due to an injury. Gatagov came on for the injured right-winger, who according to recent reports won't be available for the next match. Get well soon Igor!

Despite the penalty setback, Lokomotiv came out for the second full of iniative and within 7 minutes they went broke the deadlock with the once famous Loskov-Sychev combination. Loskov picked the ball at the middle of the park and with Sychev on the verge of the offside line, Loskov hit Rostov on the counter by playing a pinpoint ball to Sychev, who after running a bit to centre shot through the legs of Radic and onto the net. Sychev was ecstatic. Unfortunately, within five minutes Rostov were level as the hosts gave the visitors a doze of their own medicine. Former red-green Lebedenko was fouled by Shishkin and up stepped Blatnajk, who following his near miss in the opening 10 minutes , this time went closer and pulled off an Aliev. 1-1 and game on. However, barely 2 minutes passed and Lokomotiv were ahead once again. Denis Glushakov passed a perfect ball to Rodolfo, who after turning around the box, striked a pin point shot which gave Radic no chance. Perfect finish! Lokomotiv could have closed the match minutes later but after running one-on-one towards Radic, his effort went well wide. Fortunately this time round Lokomotiv weren't castigated for this miss as Lokomotiv saw out the remaining minutes and managed to hold on for an important victory which guaranteed Lokomotiv European football next season. Obviously Lokomotiv risked something during the last minutes but Guilherme stood on two particular occasions and was equal to the task. Well done Lokomotiv!! But also thanks must to to Amkar Perm because their win ensured that Lokomotiv will be playing European football next season.

Player Ratings:

Guilherme - 7

Did extremly well. Need to improve his goalkicks though

Shishkin - 6.5

Did well. Defensively sound and strong going forward

Basha - 6.5

Good match from the Montenegrin defender

Durica - 6.5

Much like his college

Yanbaev - 5.5

We Loko fans are accustomed to better. Did nothing wrong thou.

Tarasov - 8

A giant at the middle of the park. Personally the man of the match. Won countless balls and ran the midfield for Lokomotiv.
Glushakov - 7

Strong showing from the no. 8. Assisted Rodolfo for the winner.

Loskov - 6.5

Missed a penalty but redeemed himself by assisting Sychev for the opener.

Smolnikov - N/A

Went-off early due to injury.

Sychev - 7

Scored the opener. Backtracked well to help his colleges

Rodolfo - 7.5

When a defender plays as a striker and scores a goal, well, he did more than well. Brought the ball down well for his teammates very well too.

Substitutes

Gatagov - 5.5

Missed a chance. Never got going.

Wagner - N/A

Should have scored with a close ranged header.

Asatiani - N/A
Introduced to waste time and to assist in defence.