Rifat and Smolov the heroes as Lokomotiv beat CSKA in derby

CSKA Moscow 1-2 Lokomotiv Moscow 
Saturday July 31, VEB Arena, Moscow

Goals: CSKA - Bistrovic 19’; Lokomotiv - Smolov 22’, Zhemaletdinov 59’ 
Man of the Match: Rifat Zhemaletdinov (Lokomotiv) 

The first major derby of the season got off to a flying start when Croatian midfielder Kristijan Bistrovic hit a wonderful free kick in the top corner to give CSKA the lead. Bistrovic had spent the latter half of the past season in Turkey, but made his presence felt immediately on his return. CSKA’s lead didn’t last long though, as Fedor Smolov scored a typical poacher’s goal to level things up just minutes later.  

Loko then took the lead at the hour mark through Russian international Rifat Zhemaletdinov, who is having a splendid 2021. Just like the week before, Smolov and Rifat turned out to be the matchwinners for Lokomotiv.

Next RPL fixtures: Friday August 6 - Ufa vs Lokomotiv Moscow; Sunday 8 August - Dynamo vs CSKA Moscow