Back
24.11.2019Bayer 04

Lokomotiv Moscow looking to secure third spot

The Werkself failed to start this year’s Champions League campaign with a win: The 2-1 home defeat to Lokomotive Moscow in the middle of September did not help with the next two games against Juventus and Atlético Madrid. A lot has happened since that opening fixture – and not just with the Black and Reds. The lowdown on the form of the Russian league runners-up ahead of the game in Moscow (26 November, kick-off: 18.55 CET).
imago42464539h.jpg
Foto: Imago/eu-images

Recent results in Russia’s top flight have not been positive for Lokomotiv Moscow: A 3-0 home defeat in the derby against Spartak led by new coach Domenico Tedesco (formerly at Schalke 04) was followed by two 1-1 draws at FK Ufa and at home to FK Krasnodar. However, the last league match ahead of the Champions League game ended in a 3-2 win at newcomers FK Tambov.

Similar position

The team from the Russian capital have lost the last three games in the Champions League: They went down home and way against Juventus with 2-1 defeats both times and Atlético Madrid beat them 2-0. Like the Werkself, Lokomotiv Moscow are under pressure as they battle for a place in the knockout stages of a European competition. The clash for third place and associated qualification for the Europa League means there is lot resting on this game for both teams. The maxim: Avoid defeat!

Key players sidelined

That proposition for the hosts is made more difficult by the absence of key players: The former Bundesliga player Jefferson Farfan, the Inter loanee Joao Mario and striker Luka Djordjevic are all likely to be ruled out. In contrast, Yuri Semin, the 72-year-old Lokomotiv head coach, does have other star performers available such as central striker Fedor Smolov and the Miranchuk twins.

Prolific defensive midfielder

The team’s current top scorer is not a striker but more of a number six: He is Grzegorz Krychowiak. The 29-year-old Poland international was signed from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer and he has already found the back of the net eight times – more than any of his team-mates in more attacking positions. He netted a brace in the game against FK Tambov.

On course for the Champions League

Lokomotiv are currently second in the Russian top flight behind leaders Zenit St. Petersburg. There is a five-point gap between the domestic cup holders from Moscow and the league leaders after 17 games. There are three clubs bunched together on 30 points behind Lokomotiv: CSKA Moscow, FK Rostov and FK Krasnodar – that is four points less than Bayer 04’s next opponents.

sky_1910_gratis_300x250.jpg

Related News

Weserstadion
Bundesliga - 30.08.2025

Matchday news #SVWB04: Away record on the line in Bremen

Bayer 04 make their second attempt at picking up their first three points of this Bundesliga season as they visit Werder Bremen on Saturday. The hosts may be struggling with injuries and reeling from back-to-back defeats to kick off the campaign, but they’ll want to put that right in their first home outing. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the match, which kicks off at 3.30pm CEST.

Show more
Horst Steffen
Bundesliga - 29.08.2025

Our next opponents: A difficult start for Werder Bremen

Werder Bremen have started the new season with back-to-back defeats, first being eliminated from the DFB Pokal by Arminia Bielefeld and then losing at Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. And with injuries compounding that form, things are tense ahead of their first home game against the Werkself on Saturday (kick-off: 3.30pm CEST). Here’s the lowdown on Werder.

Show more
Die PK vor dem Auswärtsspiel beim SV Werder Bremen | 2. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 29.08.2025

Ten Hag ahead of #SVWB04: “Clear goal is a win” before international break

Bayer 04 play their first away game of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season as they visit Werder Bremen on Saturday (kick-off: 3.30pm CEST). Ahead of the Matchday 2 encounter, head coach Erik ten Hag spoke about the lessons from the opening defeat to Hoffenheim and the clear goal of wanting to win in Bremen.

Show more
Die Medienrunde mit Lucas Vázquez
Werkself-TV - 28.08.2025

Vázquez: ‘An option I definitely wanted to take advantage of'

Bayer 04 new signing Lucas Vázquez has had some eventful days. The experienced right-back faced the media for the first time since arriving in Leverkusen on Tuesday and after completing his first sessions on the training ground. Vázquez talked about his motivation to sign for Leverkusen, his targets with the Werkself, the attraction of German football and about recommendations regarding Bayer 04 from Xabi Alonso, Toni Kroos and Dani Carvajal.

Show more