Komlichenko stunner earns Rostov crucial win

Rostov 1-0 Krylia Sovetov Samara
Wednesday 6 April, Rostov Arena

Goal: Rostov - Komlichenko 18’
Man of the Match: Nikolay Komlichenko (Rostov) 

Rostov started powerfully in Wednesday’s postponed matchday 19 fixture, taking the lead just after quarter of an hour through Nikolay Komlichenko, but their advantage could have been much stronger.

With most of the Krylia defence still between him and the goal, the striker picked his spot from distance and smacked a low shot bouncing into the bottom corner beyond Ivan Lomaev’s despairing dive.

About 10 minutes later, a penalty was awarded for a clumsy aerial challenge by Lomaev on the goalscorer, and up stepped Rostov's top goalscorer Dmitry Poloz - who had previously never missed a penalty in the top flight.

There is a first time for everything it seems though, as Lomaev redeemed himself with a fine save to his left.

Moments later, Vladislav Sarveli escaped with just a booking for a late stamp on Danil Glebov, after Vasily Kazartsev decided not to upgrade it to a red card after a VAR review.

Valery Karpin's side had relatively little trouble closing out the game in the second half, thus lifting themselves four points clear of relegation. 

Rostov go 11th on 25 points, while Krylia stay eighth on 32 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Sunday 10 April - Ural vs Krylia; Rostov vs Lokomotiv