OVER & OUT

Lokomotiv's title ambition is virtually over & out. 3-0 was the final score as Spartak triumphed at Luzhniki. To be sincere it was always going to be difficult to win any points at Spartak, however I concede that I was expecting a close match with Spartak scraping a victory. 3-0 was somewhat a heavy defeat, and for sure it didn't reflected the way the match took course. While the first half was all Spartak, the second was all Lokomotiv albeit to the two counter attacks with which Spartak eventually cruised to victory. Moreover, sadly it's difficult to single out any positives from this encounter. Kuzmin's lack of pace was put on show several times. Charles won many balls, however lost nearly as many. Dujmovic failed to mark his authority while Odemwingie albeit of a one shot was all action and no end product. Totally disappointing. For sure Lokomotiv were missing Wagner and it is yet unclear what is hapenning to Gatagov. After a sparkling start in the middle of the campaing, Gatagov's form had been very indifferent. Today was no difference as he failed to give the sparkle Lokomotiv needed.

As I have already said there was no place for Wagner failed to make it and Semin lined-up the same line-up of 2 weeks ago. From the begininning Lokomotiv were on the back foot. The continous fouls comitted by the side in white didn't helped Loko cause as it heaped even more pressure on the guests. Actually I was amazed that no red cards were shown as tackles flew in high from the very beginning. The first threatining of the match came from Lokomotiv as Torbinsky's low cross was poorly dealt by Spartak defence. Dzhanaev saved the day for Spartak. On the 22nd minute Odemwingie was booked for a hard tackle on Ananidze. This means that the Nigerian will be suspended for next match. Some moments later, Guilherme responded with difficulty to Stranzl close range header. Soon after Bazhenov hit the crossbar. However 5 minutes from time, Guilherme couldn't do nothing as the shortest player on field, Ananidze headed in from close range. 1 nil for the People's team at the break.

In the second half Lokomotiv came even more aggressiver than the first 45 minutes and started to take the game into Spartak's half. Yanbaev combined well with Sychev, however the former couldn't conclude when one in one with the keeper. Semin brought in Gatagov in place of Torbinsky; neverthless on the hour mark Spartak doubled their advantage through Welliton who after escaping the offside trap, rounded the keeper and slotted into open net. 17 goals for the Brazilian and itching closer to claim the Russian Golden Boat. Lokomotiv tried to reply as Sychev's crashing shot skimmed the crossbar. Semin went gung-ho as he introduced Fall & Minchenkov in place of Glushakov and Rodolfo respectively. Neverthless nothing materialised for the Railwaymen and eventually Quincy closed the door in face of Lokomotiv fans by scoring the definite 3-0. Spartak fans went into raptures. The 3-0 score meant that Lokomotiv title dreams were over. Anyways goodluck Spartak, I hope that if Rubin won't win the league, you'll do it then. For sure your long-suffering deserve that. At least the championship will return back to Moscow.

Player Ratings

Guilherme - 5.5 - did one great stop from Stranzl's header. Couldn't do nothing with the 2nd and 3rd goal, however, he was no where to be found in Spartak's first goal

Kuzmin - 6 - wasn't so bad, however his lack of acceleration & pace was exposed over and over again

Asatiani - 6 - started quite bad but grew as the match went on. Strong with the ball at his feet and on some occasions even assisted the attack

Rodolfo - 6 - wasn't 100% fit and in the end it got the better of him.

Yanbaev - 6.5 - linked up well as ever. A very consistent performer

Dujmovic - 5.5 - failed to mark his authority. Seemed to be quite nervous

Charles - 6.5 - Won countless balls and would have been given a bigger rating should he hadn't misplaced some passes

Odemwingie - 6 - I wonder what's the difference between wearing the green of Nigeria and the red-green of Lokomotiv

Glushakov - 6.5 - a machine in the middle of the park

Torbinsky - 6.5 - in my view he was the only one likeliest to create something. Was substituted by Gatagov in the early of the second half; the reason for, I don't know.

Sychev - 6.5 - tried very hard, however with no end result. Had one great shot after an amazing first touch.

Substitutions

Gatagov - 5.5 - anonymous

Fall - N/A - no time to impress

Minchenkov - N/A - the match was over.