Lokomotiv Moscow 1-2 CSKA Moscow
Saturday 12 March, RZD Arena

Goals: Lokomotiv - Isidor 42’; CSKA - Yazici 39’, Fernandes 90+1’
Man of the Match: Yusuf Yazici (CSKA)

Once again Yusuf Yazici was the spark for CSKA as he maintained his remarkable record of having scored in every RPL appearance so far.

The Turkish creator thought he had sent the visitors into the break ahead when he was on hand to collect the rebound from Daniil Khudyakov’s blocked save from Baktiyor Zaynutdinov’s drilled shot. His patience allowed him to anticipate Khudyakov’s desperate scrambled attempt to recover.

However, another in-form Moscow newcomer levelled the score  three minutes before the break itself. Dmitry Zhivoglyadov whipped in a cross that Igor Diveev failed to cut out, allowing Wilson Isidor to collect and slide under Igor Akinfeev from around the penalty spot.

Rifat Zhamaletdinov almost completed the turnaround less than 10 minutes after the break as he beat Akinfeev to a through-ball, only to steer the ball wide of a half-open goal. 

It was Jean-Phillipe Gbamin’s turn to miss a sitter with about 10 minutes to go, and his chance was even clearer. An inswinging cross from the left was flicked on in the Ivorian midfielder’s direction after he had lost his marker, but the volley from six yards out was wildly over.

Anton Zabolotny came off the bench in the closing stages after recovering from his injury, and had the best chance of all to win it. He was almost taken by surprise with how much time he had to take three touches 12 yards out, and dithered long enough for Khudyakov to spread himself and save it.

In added time though, Mario Fernandes finished the scrappiest derby winner imaginable. Bruno Fuchs flicked on a header for the former Russian international who poked home at the second attempt.

Lokomotiv remain sixth on 31 points, while CSKA go third on 39 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Saturday 19 March - Akhmat vs Lokomotiv; Sunday 20 March - CSKA vs Rubin