Larsson’s double, Bakaev’s three assists and Tedesco’s successful decisions: how Spartak defeated Lokomotiv in derby

Surprise from Tedesco and the Shurrle bar

The new coach of Spartak Domenico Tedesco in the second game at the head of the team was waiting for a serious test. Red and white had to play away with one of the main contenders for gold “Locomotive”, which only a few days ago imposed a serious fight on “Juventus”, and intended to take the most important three points in the derby.

But Tedesco prepared a surprise for the opponent. He decided to switch to the scheme with three central defenders and, in the company of Ilya Kutepov and Samuel Zhigot, left Georgy Dzhikiyu, who had served the disqualification. Other changes occurred in the attack. Instead of unsuccessfully playing with Rubin, Hus Thiel Ecekiel Ponce came to the forefront, and the duet with him was Andre Schürrle. Finally, Loreno Melgarejo was returned from the attack to the right flank of the defense, where he was to restrain the recovering Rifat Zhemaletdinov. Looking ahead, it is worth saying that the Paraguayan successfully coped with his task.

As for the Loko squad, Yuri Semin had few opportunities for rotation because of numerous injuries, but he still put Brian Idova on the bench and also “mirrored” Tedesco’s scheme, also betting on an arrangement with three central defenders.

And in the first half, railroad workers generally had the advantage. Dmitry Barinov with Grzegorz Krychowiak in the middle of the field won the confrontation with opponents and did not allow the guests to run away into quick counterattacks. Reliable enough on the flanks and acted Zhemaletdinov with Vladislav Ignatiev. In fact, for the entire first half, the red-whites passed one dangerous counterattack. After a cross from Nail Umyarov from the left flank, Shyurrle hit the post. At the same time, the guests have never struck on target.

Loko had more moments. You can recall the most dangerous shot from close range by Alexei Miranchuk, and the strike of João Mariou. But at the last frontier, “Spartak” perfectly acted Alexander Maksimenko. But the trio of central defenders acted far from faultlessly. At some points, they lacked basic understanding.

Successful replacement and fatigue of Lokomotiv

But the second half, the railroad completely failed. And here several factors played a role at once. First, Tedesco guessed with replacements. On the field, Roman Zobnin and Jordan Larsson added mobility to the team, and the Swede also designed a double. By the way, a German specialist conducted competent castling in a meeting with Rubin. Reziuan Mirzov’s exit then almost helped the red and white snatch victory. Thus, Tedesco proved himself to be a competent matchmaker.

Secondly, Spartak at the beginning of the second half was lucky to score a largely illogical ball. The team was exemplary counterattack, and Ponce threw recklessly rushed out of the gate Marinato Guillerme.

And then Lokomotiv had to go forward and open, which was only red-white to the hand. They got the opportunity to carry out the most dangerous counterattacks. Larsson scored twice, and Zelimkhan Bakaev chalked up three assists. The transfer of the midfielder to the “ten” position caused a lot of questions from the fans, in the same game with “Ruby” Zelimkhan was frankly lost on the field. In the derby, he proved himself to be the best.

However, it is not worth overestimating the victory of Spartak. In the end, Lokomotiv revealed itself, moreover, its players were tired, but Semin had practically no substitution options. While Tedesco was releasing Zobnin, Larsson and Ayaz Guliyev, the trainer was forced to throw, to put it mildly, not the most attacking Alexander Kolomeytsev.

Competently dragged out the time themselves red and white. About 20 minutes before the final whistle, when Lokomotiv pressed the team to the goal, George Dzhikia organized a couple of important pauses after not very painful clashes. This helped bring down the opponent’s offensive impulse and gave partners an opportunity to rest.

In general, all the Spartak players in the derby really fought and worked out to the end in each episode, which is good news. The team is determined to rectify the situation and is looking forward to further work with Tedesco.

After two matches, the German himself gave many reasons to talk about himself. He immediately made a tactical revolution, changing the scheme and putting some players in new positions. And in the match with Loko, the counterattack bet completely played. But it’s much more interesting how Spartak will behave in the next matches with Arsenal and Wings of the Soviets, where he will have to break into a rich defense himself.