Rostov secured a narrow victory over Lokomotiv Moscow with a 1:0 scoreline in the second Group Stage match of the Cup competition on Monday evening. The decisive moment arrived in the 90th minute plus four when a goal was scored, though the specific scorer was not recorded in the available data. Both sides had traded draws in their previous outings, making this result a notable shift in momentum.
The match remained tightly contested throughout, with neither side able to establish dominance. Rostov made three substitutions at half-time, bringing on V. Melekhin and I. Zhbanov alongside another change. Lokomotiv responded with their own trio of alterations at the 55th minute, introducing V. Rakov, A. Rudenko and R. Myalkovskiy into the fray.
Discipline proved to be a factor as the match progressed. A. Rudenko collected a yellow card at 49 minutes, followed by V. Golubev at 64 and Lucas Fasson at 67. Lokomotiv ended with three yellow cards compared to Rostov's single booking, though one additional card was recorded at 82 minutes without attribution.
Statistically, the sides were evenly matched in possession at 50 per cent each. Rostov registered nine shots on target against Lokomotiv's seven, while the visitors won more corners with four to one. The hosts also recorded eight blocked shots compared to four for the away side, suggesting a physical contest in the final third.
The result leaves Rostov with something to build on after a run of draws and a recent loss to Orenburg. Lokomotiv will need to regroup following a series of one-goal games, including their 1:1 draws with Orenburg and CSKA Moscow in recent weeks. Both teams remain in contention for progression in the tournament.