RPL Matchday 20
Lokomotiv Moscow 3-2 FC Krasnodar
Saturday 18 March, RZD Arena, Moscow

Goals: Lokomotiv – Barinov (47), Glushenkov (51), Dzyuba (66); Krasnodar – Alonso (29), Cordoba (39)
Sent off: Lokomotiv – Smolnikov (72); Krasnodar – Ramirez (63)
Man of the Match: Dmitry Barinov (Lokomotiv)

Mikhail Galaktionov started his road in Lokomotiv facing Krasnodar in the Russian Cup group stage in November, now updated teams met in Moscow. First half was more lucky for the guests with goals from Junior Alonso from the corner kick and Jhon Cordoba on breakaway. Stanislav Agkatsev, who replaced Matvey Safonov in the goal, also had good first half saving penalty shot from Artem Dzyuba.

Being two-goal down Lokomotiv was furious after half-time, and they tied the game in six minutes through Dmitry Barinov’s goal through ricochets and Maksim Glushenkov’s volley after Dzyuba’s backheel assist. The Railwaymen caused a sent-off for the guests, Barinov suffered a hit from Cristian Ramirez, and the Ecuadorian earned second yellow card. With one-man advantage came a score advantage, Dzyuba was the first on rebound, after Barinov hit the crossbar, and got fourth goal in third league appearance since comeback. By the way, Igor Smolnikov, former Bulls player, cut the Loko roster to ten men also earning two yellow cards, but his team kept the winning streak extending it to three.

Lokomotiv move to eleventh with 22 points, Krasnodar stay eighth on 29 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Saturday 1 April – Pari NN vs Lokomotiv; Sunday 2 April – Khimki vs Krasnodar