Premier League: Spartak save face in Moscow derby

19 July, 2008, 18:27

Spartak Moscow have salvaged a 2-2 draw at city rivals Lokomotiv through a last-gasp goal from Nikita Bazhenov. It was a game of a huge importance for both sides, with both on a dismal run of form – and defeat would have heaped further pressure on their respective managers’ futures.

It was Lokomotiv who got off to the best start. Dmitry Sychev could have put his side in front on the 18th minute, but a defender cleared just in time. But the Railway Men got their reward four minutes later. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov played a one-two with Sychev and finished in style.

The home side continued to dominate and doubled their lead after 42 minutes. Sychev made it 2-0 with a brilliant piece of individual skill.

The second half started with Spartak pressing the home side. And they made them pay in the 73rd minute. Martin Stranzl headed it on to Russian international Roman Pavlyuchenko, who tucked it away to bring Spartak back in it.

The Red-Whites kept pressing for an equalizer and got their reward in injury time. Aleksandr Prudnikov passed it into the path of Nikita Bazhenov and the striker put it away.

And Spartak could have grabbed all three points, but Radoslav Kovac hit the woodwork 6 minutes into injury time.

It finished 2-2 but it was a draw that won't satisfy either side.