Lokomotiv Play Last Home Game Of Season
On Gameweek 29 Lokomotiv hosted Kuban in what was their last home game.
On Monday evening, hours before the kickoff, the crowds of Lokomotiv fans started gathering in Cherkizovo. The reason was that the Russian Cup we won in Astrakhan last week was brought from Lokomotiv’s base in Bakovka to Cherkizovo. The team wanted to share their happiness with the fans, and two hours before the start the Cup was installed in the square in front of the steam carrier. This caused long queues of those who wanted to see the Cup closely and take a picture.
In half-time, goalkeeper Ilya Abaev appeared in the Family Area to talk to the little fans - and brought the Cup with him! The children were staring at the big crystal vase, and everybody wanted to take a picture! Ilya gave autographs and posed for photos.
As for the game itself, the beginning was calm. It looked like the teams left all their emotions in Astrakhan and now played easy.
In the middle of the first half, Kuban created their first chance at Guilherme’s goal, and the ball came into the back of the net after an accidental bounce.
Lokomotiv tried to make use of the crosses to Niasse, through passes to Miranchuk, and long-range shots by Kasaev.
Soon Tarasov and Miranchuk had a good chance they set up themselves. Dmitriy tackled the opponent in midfield and possessed the ball, carried it to the box and passed to Miranchuk. The youngster dribbled around the defenders and broke one-on-one with Belenov. The midfielder produced a powerful shot but Belenov saved. Moments later Samedov sent it home but the referee had signaled him offside.
In the middle of the second half the visitors had to be nervous again when Miranchuk, Niasse and Fernandes tried to equalize. Soon Niasse and Sunjic quarreled on the pitch, and the Senegalese was sent off with a direct red card.
The Railwaymen were now understaffed - but immediately scored! Fernandes sent it into the front corner with no chances for the keeper!
After the final whistle had sealed a draw, the team took the Cup and carried it around the pitch to thank the fans. They held a banner reading ‘The Cup is yours!’ In return, the fans sang their traditional ‘This is our Cherkizovo!’ and chanted ‘Thank you, guys!’
Russian Premier League. Gameweek 29
Lokomotiv - Kuban - 1:1 (0:1)
Goals: Balde, 22 (0:1). Fernandes (1:1).
Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Denisov, Pejcinovic, Corluka, Logashov, Shiskin (Fernandes, 58), Tarasov (Barinov, 83), Kasaev, Samedov (Maicon, 74), Alexey Miranchuk, Niasse.
Kuban: Belenov, Bugayev, Sandao, Sunjic, Sosnin, Kulik, Kabore (Rabiu, 68), Manolev, Melgarejo (Ignatyev, 83), Tlisov (Popov, 59), Balde.
Yellow cards: Kulik, 5. Fernandes, 71. Sunjic, 81.
Red cards: Niasse, 81.
Referee: Kirill Levnikov (St Petersburg)
May 25. Lokomotiv Stadium.
