Battling Lokomotiv undone by late breakaway Galatasaray winner

Lokomotiv Moscow 0-1 Galatasaray
UEFA Europa League Group E
Thursday 21 October, RZD Arena

Goal: Galatasaray - Akturkoglu 82’

An enthralling encounter at the RZD Arena saw a whole raft of half chances for both sides, without any breakthrough for the first 70 minutes. Maciej Rybus was a welcome return to match action for the hosts playing in the unorthodox position of right-back, but the key spark was Rifat Zhemaletdinov.

The young forward came a yard from winning a penalty after the break, but Fedor Smolov struck the free kick into the wall. Zhemaletdinov later drilled a rasping cross-cum-shot through a sea of bodies in the box towards Smolov only for Lokomotiv’s top scorer to flash the ball wide from a few yards out.

Guilherme had to be alert at the other end too, palming a vicious Victor Nelsson shot over the bar in the first half, but it was the only shot on target until well after the hour mark. With 10 minutes remaining, Kerem Akturkoglu forced a superb reaction save from 10 yards out, but the youngster went one better a moment later when he was sent racing clear.

Fellow substitute Olimpiu Morutan picked out acres of space for Akturkoglu to take his time and slot a cool finish low into the bottom corner.

Lokomotiv remain bottom on one point, while Galatasaray stay top on seven points.

Next Europa League fixture: Thursday 4 November - Galatasaray vs Lokomotiv