Draw Between Equals

Lokomotiv’s closing game of 2014 was scheduled in Grozniy where Bozovic’s team planned to continue their lossless spree. The football authorities had been unsure whether it would be a proper place for the game, - just the day before terrorists attacked the city. Amid security concerns, it was nevertheless decided to allow the teams to play, and the fixture started with a moment of silence to commemorate the killed policemen who stopped the terrorists.

Miodrag Bozovic reshuffled the starting lineup considerably. Taras Mykhalyk had to miss the game due to an injury, his position was taken by Alexander Sheshukov. Mbark Boussoufa was unavailable that day due too many bookings to his name – Manuel Fernandes came on to replace the Moroccan international. Alan Kasaev was reinstalled on the left flank while Maicon started as a centre-forward.

In the opening minutes, the tempo was pretty slow, the hosts possessed the ball while Lokomotiv were solid in defence. The first real scoring opportunity was created by the Railwaymen on 14 minutes. Kasaev made a spectacular run down the wing, dummied Kuzyaev and crossed to the box but there was no-one to make a final touch.

Minutes later it was the hosts’ turn to threaten Abaev’s goal. Some tiki-taka passes delivered the ball to Mauricio at the area where he was fouled at by Corluka. The cross for Adilson was good but the Brazilian sent the ball too wide.

On 34 minutes, Corluka saw Samedov in a good position in the box, chipped the ball in for the midfielder who turned around and had a go at the far corner. A defender stood in the way and redirected it to the near corner where Godzyur handled it.

Late into the half the teams had several chances. On 41 minutes Kasaev again carried the ball down the flank up to Godzyur’s box and centred for Miranchuk who failed to strike properly.

After half-time, the over-motivated Terek rushed forward to shell Loko’s area. On 46 minutes Rybus took a tremendous shot at Abaev's goal but missed just a fraction.

Gradually the Railwaymen pulled the opponents away and started creating chances. On 64 minutes Maicon rolled to Miranchuk who was in a promising position but the youngster’s strike was blocked by a defender.

Minutes later Samedov crossed for Maicon but the Brazilian failed to strike properly. However, Godzyur had to try hard to reach it as well.

Ten minutes before the end of the game Terek executed a planned attack that resulted in an extremely dangerous strike by Mauricio: the Brazilian penetrated into the area and blasted right under the crossbar making Abaev boast his perfect reflexes.

None of the teams were able to break the score. Lokomotiv’s lossless run now counts nine games, and another clean sheet.

You can watch the game summary with comments from Miodrag Bozovic, Alan Kasaev and Aleksey Miranchuk in Loko-TV packages on www.fclm.ru or on www.youtube.com.

Terek – Lokomotiv 0:0

Terek: Godzyur, Ferreira, Warken, Mauricio, Ailton, Kudryashov (Bokila, 77), Aissati, Semyonov, Ivanov, Kuzyaev, Rybus.

Lokomotiv: Abaev, Corluka, Durica, Denisov, Shishkin, Sheshukov (Pejcinovic, 84), Fernandes, Kasaev (Tkachyov, 89), Samedov, Miranchuk, Maicon (Ndoye, 75).

Yellow cards: Corluka, 45. Sheshukov, 45. Semyonov, 55. Ivanov, 92.

Referee: Alexander Yegorov (Saransk)

December 7. Grozniy. Akhmat-Arena stadium.