Moscow Derby Tie

Lokomotiv drew against CSKA during Gameweek 10 of the Russian Championship.

Although one could spot some free seats at Arena Khimki as the week’s top game was about to begin, Lokomotiv’s two sectors were almost full-packed with fans.

There were no surprises in the Railwaymen’s starting line-up. Yet, two names should still be mentioned. Loko’s captain Verdan Corluka was going to make his 100th field appearance in the red-green kit. Another man listed for the match was Jan Durica, whose lengthy recovery was finally over. Jan had joined his partners in the training only a few days before but pushed for a place on the bench to be with the rest.

Up to the date, the teams’ head-to-head record registered an equal number of wins, draws and defeats. The clash ahead, momentous as it was in the tournament, could also have historical importance.

Lokomotiv began more briskly, the white-clad players enjoying possession. Ten minutes on, Alan Kasaev brilliantly penetrated into the area and took a well-aimed shot at the far corner. Akinfeyev just managed to tip the ball away. Five minutes on, CSKA responded with scoring a goal. Panchenko earned a penalty kick, and Doumbia converted it.

Having conceded, Lokomotiv did not wilt. The team continued to dominate the pitch. Within five more minutes Kolomeytsev was taken down in the box, and Karasev pointed at the spot again. Niasse was perfect - 1:1!

The first halfended in equal struggle, both sides trying to find ways to the enemy’s goal. Lokomotiv looked somewhat better in their efforts: there were Kasaev’s forward moves, the straight shot from Tarasov and Niasse coming one-on-one with the keeper.

After the restart, the course of play did not change much. Lokomotiv had a little more possession of the ball in the first 20 minutes, but then the slight edge was gone.

The 75th minute saw Guilherme made a save that could be nominated for the Save of the Week award. Tosic’ left-foot inswinger from a set piece headed straight for the roof of the net, but the Brazilian parried it in an awesome jump.

Ten minutes till the end, Verdan Corluka picked up his second yellow card leaving Loko one man short. Cherevchenko was forced to bring on Mykhalyk for Niasse to staff the back line.

Just when the linesman was announcing the stoppage time, Marinato Guilherme made another sublime save clearing a shot by Ignashevitch and then a follow-up by Doumbia, but both had been offside.

Despite playing the remaining time at a disadvantage, Lokomotiv showed the mettle of a team.

Russian Championship. Gameweek 10

CSKA - Lokomotiv - 1:1 (1:1)
Goals scored: Doumbia, 16 (penalty) (1:0). Niasse, 21 (penalty) (1:1)

CSKA: Akinfeyev, Wernbloom, Ignashevich, A.Berezutskiy, Tosic, Panchenko (Eremenko, 74), Dzagoev, Nabakin, Musa, Shchennikov (Milanov, 84), Doumbia
Lokomotiv: Guilherme, Corluka, Pejcinovic, Denisov (Logashov,74), Shishkin, Tarasov, Ndinga, Samedov, Kasaev (Maicon, 77), Kolomeytsev, Niasse (Mykhalyk,84)
Bookings: Dzagoev, 37. Denisov, 58. Corluka, 65. Tosic, 80
Ejections: Corluka, 82
Referee: Sergey Karasev (Moscow)
September 26. Khimki, Khimki Arena