Lokomotiv run out of puff in Rome

Lazio 2-0 Lokomotiv
Europa League Group E
Thursday 30 September, Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Goals: Lazio - Basic 13’, Patric 38’

Lokomotiv were brought back down to earth with their first competitive defeat of the season since losing the Russian Super Cup to Zenit back in July.

Pedro cut around the outside of the defence early on before hooking back a cross towards the six-yard box, leaving a simple header for Toma Basic to put Lazio in front.

Lokomotiv did settle somewhat and had a few chances for Fedor Smolov in particular, forcing Thomas Strakosha into a few saves. 

However, after weathering the mild storm, the hosts doubled their advantage seven minutes before the break. Guilherme wandered towards an inswinging corner but totally missed the ball, leaving Patric to bundle it in from a yard out.

Halfway through the second period, Sergej Milikovic-Savic nearly made it three by slamming a shot against the crossbar.

Lazio get off the mark up into second on three points, while Lokomotiv go bottom on one point.

Next Europa League fixtures: Thursday 21 October - Lazio vs Marseille; Lokomotiv vs Galatasaray