Putin Cup - Match Day 4

CSKA Moscow 1 – 0 – Lokomotiv Moscow

Whilst the Putin Cup has been short on goals and thrills this game conformed to the former but bucked the latter.

CSKA bouncing off their first win of the competition last week against Dynamo hosted a Lokomotiv side also on the up after their victory of Zenit.

Whilst the visitors had the lions share of the possession and created the majority of opportunities they came up against a keeper in outstanding form in the shape of Leali who pulled off a number of outstanding saves to keep out a string of efforts from Samedov and Soldado who on another night could have had a hat-trick.

Loko’s inability to convert their opportunities was punished on 73 minutes when a free kick by Antonelli was floated across the penalty area and met by Raman who left Guilherme stranded as the ball hit the back of the net.

7 minutes later however Ramans contribution was over after a second yellow card and he had to watch nervously with the rest of the bench as CSKA saw out the remaining 10 minutes.

Lokomotiv boss Owen will walk away from this with one word on his lips, “How”, whilst the home team gaffer Smith will be happy at the defensive steel shown by his side and delighted at leaping over their opponent in the table.

Spartak Moscow 0 – 1 Dynamo Moscow

The curse of the Putin Cup struck again with little on offer to warm the spectators in this chilly Moscow derby.

Table toppers Spartak were hoping to put distance between themselves and second place Dynamo but the visitors were determined to take the opportunity to leap frog the hosts.

The game was decided in favour of the Dynamo in the 24^th minute when Valbuena fed a ball through Ari who decided to take a shot early which caught Alvardo off guard and left him helpless to prevent  the ball hitting the roof of the net.

Whilst on the balance of play Spartak boss Houston will have thought his side should have come away with at least a share of the spoils Dynamo supremo Razzaque will not be looking at the stats as his team now sit at the top of the pile.