Zhemaletdinov leads Lokomotiv to the win over Nizhny with the brace

Lokomotiv Moscow 2-1 Nizhny Novgorod
Saturday 23 April, RZD Arena

Goals: Lokomotiv - Zhemaletdinov (37, 53); Nizhny Novgorod - Kravtsov (77)
Sent off: Nizhny Novgorod - Berkovsky (72)
Man of the Match: Rifat Zhemaletdinov (Lokomotiv)

Since Zaur Khapov was appointed as Lokomotiv head coach, the team had been failing to get a win in two matches against Southern sides Rostov and Sochi. Third attempt was finally lucky for the ex-Loko goalkeeper, as his side defeated Nizhny Novgorod at home. As Jan Kuchta was suspended after a red card in Sochi, Maksim Petrov took his place as the striker with Wilson Isidor playing as a winger.

This time the Frenchman failed to score, and it ended his goaling streak of six matches with goals. But it was time to shine for Rifat Zhemaletdinov. His long shot broke the deadlock in the final minutes of the first half, and at the beginning of the second half he put a ball into the net after a cross from Girano Kerk. That’s how Zhemaletdinov increased his number of goals to eight, the best result in the team.

Things got worse for the visitors, when former Loko player Ilya Berkovsky earned a red card after stepping on Artem Karpukas foot. But the 10-man side cut the lead thanks to a Kirill Kravtsov header from Nikolay Kalinsky corner kick.

Lokomotiv go fifth on 41 points, while Nizhny Novgorod stay 11th on 28 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Saturday 30 April - Zenit St. Petersburg vs Lokomotiv Moscow; Monday 2 May - Arsenal Tula vs Nizhny Novgorod