Supersub Sobolev steals Spartak derby comeback win

Spartak Moscow 2-1 Lokomotiv Moscow
Sunday 23 August, Otkritie Arena

Goals: Spartak - Jordan Larsson (53), Aleksandr Sobolev (82); Lokomotiv - Murilo (10)

Man of the Match: Jordan Larsson (Spartak)

Marko Nikolic’s unbeaten run since taking over at Lokomotiv Moscow came to dramatic end as Spartak Moscow came from behind to win the first capital derby of the season. Murilo glanced in Aleksey Miranchuk’s free kick after 10 minutes to hand Lokomotiv an early lead, but they soon after lost Dmitry Barinov to a suspected cruciate ligament rupture and Miranchuk to a hamstring strain. After half an hour Jordan Larsson missed a glorious chance when he volleyed over completely unmarked six yards out. 

It didn’t take long after half time for Spartak to get back level as Nail Umyarov’s lofted ball into the channel found Jordan Larsson with enough time and space to patiently stroke a finish past a helpless Guilherme. With less than 10 minutes left, Aleksandr Sobolev was on hand to firmly plant a six-yard header past Guilherme from Aleks Kral’s flick-on.

Spartak move up to eight points - four behind leaders Zenit St. Petersburg - while Lokomotiv remain one further back.

Spartak take on Rotor Volgograd next away from home on Wednesday 26 August, while Lokomotiv host Akhmat Grozny on the same day.