Chernikov shoots and sends Krasnodar closer to top 3

FC Krasnodar 1-0 Lokomotiv Moscow
Wednesday 4 May, FC Krasnodar Stadium

Goal: Krasnodar - Chernikov (83)
Sent off: Krasnodar - Apekov (77), Chernikov (90+5); Lokomotiv - Maradishvili (48)
Man of the Match: Aleksandr Chernikov (Krasnodar)

A goal, a red card, and a Man of the Match prize - that was Aleksandr Chernikov’s evening in the final fixture of the Matchday 19, which was previously postponed from February. Even the visitors made a first goal attempt, when Matvey Safonov saved a Wilson Isidor’s shot from the angle, the hosts had an advantage creating three shots on target. Irakly Manelov came closer to break the deadlock, but he failed to beat Guilherme from several metres.

The second half started with the first of three red cards given in the match, it was Konstantin Maradishvili, who earned sent off after fouling Nikita Krivtsov near the box. Aleksey Ionov’s free kick shot was caught by Guilherme, and Loko captain saved again, when Eduard Spertsyan tried to score from the angle. Aleksandr Storozhuk put young attacker Ruslan Apekov with 20 minutes to play, but his playing time was short, as he was awarded with a red card fouling Dmitry Zhivoglyadov in the midfield.

The final minutes became Chernikov’s moments of glory. His shot from the distance hit the post and crossed the goal-line bringing him second goal in the season. But in the added time Krasnodar youngster continued his collection of cards, earning two yellow cards and his third sent off, more than any other player this season. Nine-man Krasnodar and ten-man Lokomotiv finished the clash this way, it made two wins in a row for the Bulls and defeats in a row for the Railwaymen.

Krasnodar stay fifth on 45 points, while Lokomotiv keep sixth place on 41 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Sunday 8 May - Arsenal Tula vs FC Krasnodar; Lokomotiv Moscow vs Rubin Kazan