Loko make Europa League play-offs

Lokomotiv Moscow outplayed visitors Sturm Graz 3-1 to book their place in the knockout stage of the Europa League in the spring.

­Lokomotiv failed to create any threat in front of the Austrian goal until the Moscow team’s coach introduced second striker Maicon into the game in the 57th minute.

And just five minutes later the Brazilian substitute gave the hosts the lead, scoring a header after a lovely cross Vladislav Ignatiev to make it 1-0.

The Loko players seemed to still be celebrating their success when Sturm found an equalizer. Roman Kienast sent Florian Kainz one-on-one with home keeper Anton Amelchenko in the 64th minute and the midfielder made no mistake to make the score 1-1.

The Railwaymen had to start from scratch and they restored their lead with Dmitry Sychev’s penalty ten minutes later.

Ignatiev was brought down in the visitors’ box, leaving no choice for the referee but to point to the spot.

Russian international, Denis Glushakov, scored in the last minute of the game to give a final score of 3-1.

The three points guarantee Lokomotiv second spot in their Group L as Jose Couceiro’s men progress to the Europa League play-offs with 12 points after five games.

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