We Are Going To Astrakhan!

Lokomotiv have beaten Gazovik in Russian Cup Semifinals.

To say that Orenburg had been breathing the upcoming fixture is next to saying nothing. When Lokomotiv landed at the local Gagarin Airport, crowds of football lovers surrounded the players asking for a selfie, or an autograph, or just gazing. After the practice that took place immediately after the arrival, the fans were there again, and even some local policemen asked for a photo.

By the way, the local authorities took the issue of security seriously: the shops were forbidden to sell alcohol. About 700 policemen were sent to guard peace at the stadium, one of them said the best officers from the entire oblast were there.

The citizens say Lokomotiv’s arrival can only be compared to the 2014 Winter Olympic torch relay that took place here a year and a half ago. The stadium box-offices stand behind these words with their stats: the stadium was sold out in the first two days despite the high prices - the cheapest tickets cost 500 rubles.

Another interesting fact is that a whole new stand was erected, hosting commentators booth, press box, and a sky box. Of course, the construction works started before Gazovik advanced to the Semifinals, but this helped boost the process. Now the local quthorities are planning to reconstruct the remaining three stands. A very timely decision indeed, since the old wooden terrace are extremely dated.

But all these are just lovely Orenburg sketches... Lokomotiv again had no right to lose this time, a failure would have been a blow. Alas, Vedran Corluka couldn't take part in the game. The injury he picked up in the League game against Krasnodar was not that bad but it still didn't allow him to play on the local AstroTurf.

The game started optimistically. Maicon was acting as a target-man, and on 11 minutes was able to shake off the markers and slam the ball that shook the woodwork. Lokomotiv were good at having possession while Gazovik stood together in defense. But it was clear that the hosts believed they would have their chance, as they were desperate to win. It's hard to say Lokomotiv had many opportunities but proved to be the game's favorites by controlling the pitch. In the 45th minute Mykhalyk tried his luck but to no avail.

On 48 minutes Samedov produced a dangerous strike which was ineffective. But few attempts won't bring you many goals...

Meanwhile, Gazovik used their chance. Vasiev picked up the ball in Lokomotiv's box and sent it home first touch, exploding the stands. The hosts looked really solid, very unlikely for a lower league dweller. So unlikely that Lokomotiv had certain problems with breaking their defense. Probably, the run of play was heavily influenced by an ejection of Gazovik's Appaev who saw a second booking.

Lokomotiv decided to change to a more attacking formation, and one of the substitutions worked! Skuletic spent only a few minutes on the pitch when he saw his only chance and used it: his opponents Klimov and Abakumov showed bad coordination, the Serbian striker pushed the defender away and chipped it over the keeper. It was 87 minutes...

In the extra time Lokomotiv continued creating chances that improved Abakumov's record, for he saved many potential goals. As the 120th minute was advancing, the tempo was diminishing.

The winner had to be decided in the penalty shootout. And again Guilherme demonstrated his outstanding skill, while our strikers were luckier. Pejcinovic even tore out a handful of the synthetic grass - must be for luck.

On May 21st, Lokomotiv are to play in the Cup Final in Astrakhan.

The Russian Cup. Semifinals.

Gazovik - Lokomotiv - 1:1 (0:0), 3:4 (pen)
Goals: Vasiev, 50 (1:0). Skuletic, 87 (1:1).
Penalties scored: Kobyalko, Druzin, Malykh - Fernandes, Samedov, Maicon, Pejcinovic.
Penalties missed: Shogenov (goalkeeper), K. Akhmedov (post) - Skuletic (goalkeeper).

Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Yanbaev, Pejcinovic, Logashov, Denisov, Mykhalyk (Skuletic, 82), Tarasov, Kasaev (Niasse, 59), Samedov, Alexey Miranchuk (Fernandes, 63), Maicon.
Gazovik: Abakumov, Parnyakov, Malykh, Appaev, Breyev (Kobyalko, 64), Koronov (Akhmedov, 104), Vasiev, Afonin, Druzin, Vorobyov (Shogenov, 26), Klimov.
Yellow cards: Appaev, 8. Shogenov, 30. Tarasov, 35. Parnyakov, 45. Yanbaev, 76. Pejcinovic, 90.
Red cards: Appaev, 80 (second booking)
Referee: Alexander Yegorov (Saransk)
April 29th. Orenburg. Gazovik stadium.