Lokomotiv Moscow secured a hard fought win away at Akhmat Grozny in the 19th round of the Russian Premier League. The visitors battled through adversity and finished with nine players on the field after Stanislav Magkeev and Maxim Nenakhov saw red in the 20th minute. Yet the resilience of Lokomotiv shone through as they held on for a 1-0 victory.
Artem Dzyuba spoke after the game about the team showing real character and moving in the right direction. He highlighted the collective spirit of the squad and gave special mention to Ilya Lantratov, emphasizing that the keeper’s intelligence and performance helped steer the team to a crucial win. Dzyuba described the triumph as heroic, underscoring the unwavering effort of every player on the pitch. He noted that while mistakes can happen during intense moments, the squad kept their focus and worked for each other. The atmosphere around the win felt like a turning point for Lokomotiv, reflecting both growth and camaraderie among the players.
Midfield work and sharp attacking intent produced the decisive moment for Lokomotiv. Sergey Pinyaev opened the scoring in the 11th minute, marking his debut goal for the club since moving from Wings of the Soviets in Samara to Moscow before the year turned. The goal came in a match where the young forward demonstrated a poise beyond his years, delivering a finish that unlocked the game and set the tone for a challenging 80 minutes. Pinyaev’s breakthrough on the big stage drew praise from teammates and coaches alike, and his first goal for Lokomotiv signaled the club’s confidence in its emerging talent as the season progresses.
Former national team coach Stanislav Cherchesov, now at Ferencvaros, shared insights into the mood around Lokomotiv after the final whistle. He noted that Dzyuba offered heartfelt congratulations to the club as the striker celebrated his first goals for the railway workers and helped seal a win that many observers described as a battle of grit and discipline. The exchange underscored the mutual respect among players and staff, and Cherchesov’s reflections framed the victory as a milestone that could propel Lokomotiv through a demanding portion of the schedule.
The match atmosphere reflected a blend of youth and experience, with a strong push from Lokomotiv to control the tempo despite the numerical disadvantage. The early red cards forced the squad to defend in compact lines and rely on quick transitions, a recipe that paid dividends on a night when every moment mattered. The goalkeeper and backline held firm, while the midfielders and attackers connected with purposeful runs, pressing in unison and maintaining a compact shape. The win placed Lokomotiv in a favorable position as they navigate the remainder of the campaign and chase consistency in performances and results.
Supporters witnessed a performance that balanced risk and reward. The team embraced a sense of collective responsibility, turning a difficult scenario into a showcase of unity and determination. The victory also carried symbolic weight for the club, signaling that even when circumstances tighten, Lokomotiv can summon the resolve required to memorialize hard fought wins on the road. The coaches emphasized preparation, discipline, and mental strength, all of which were on display throughout the match. The tactical setup allowed Lokomotiv to absorb pressure, counter effectively, and keep Akhmat Grozny at bay, sealing a result that will be remembered in the season’s narrative as a turning point in the story of the team’s revival. That revival, according to observers, depends as much on character as on technique, and this win supplied both in ample measure.
In sum, Lokomotiv demonstrated character, efficiency, and a readiness to fight through adversity. The victory in Grozny was more than a three-point return; it was a statement that the squad can persevere when challenged, trust in their plan, and celebrate milestones like Pinyaev’s debut goal. The postmatch reflections from Dzyuba, Lantratov, Pinyaev, and Cherchesov collectively painted a picture of a club on the ascendancy, one that values unity, patient development, and the relentless pursuit of progress on the path back to the upper reaches of the table.