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

Jubel der Bayer 04-Frauen
Women - 17.02.2026

Get your tickets now: Pre-sale for women's home game against Jena started

With the much-celebrated 2-1 derby win against 1. FC Köln, the Bayer 04 Women underlined their credentials as one of the top teams in the Bundesliga. Anyone wishing to support the Werkself in the stadium in the race for third place can now purchase tickets for the home match against FC Carl Zeiss Jena. Tickets are also still available for the upcoming clash against TSG Hoffenheim at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium on Sunday, 22 February. The latest information at a glance.

Show more
Gegner Check
eSports - 17.02.2026

#B04eSports: Aiming to secure direct entry to the offline round against Bayern and Co.

Let's give it our all one more time! Today, Tuesday 17 February (live on the VBL Twitch channel from 18:00 CET), the #B04eSports team play the remaining three preliminary round matches of the fifth and final showdown of the VBL Club Championship 2025/26. The Leverkusen console pros go up against 1. FC Nürnberg, 1. FC Magdeburg and Bayern Munich, aiming to secure their place in the offline knockout round and pick up valuable points for the overall table and the battle to get into the final event for the German Club Championship. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Quansah: „Es ist nie einfach, bin stolz auf die Jungs“ | 22. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 14.02.2026

Quansah: ‘It's never easy, I'm proud of the lads’

After the 4-0 home win against FC St. Pauli on Bundesliga matchday 22, the two goalscorers Jarell Quansah and Ernest Poku spoke to Werkself TV...

Show more
Werkself beat St. Pauli 4-0 on carneval weekend | 22nd matchday
Werkself-TV - 14.02.2026

TV highlights of 4-0 win against St. Pauli

Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 4-0 win against St. Pauli on Matchday 22 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season...

Werkself beim Torjubel
Bundesliga - 14.02.2026

Werkself beat St. Pauli 4-0 on Carnival weekend

Bayer 04 claimed their third victory of the season over St. Pauli with a dominant display in the Bundesliga on Matchday 22, winning 4-0 at the BayArena. Quickfire headed goals from Jarell Quansah and Patrik Schick in the first half set the Werkself on their way. Another Edmond Tapsoba header after the break and Ernest Poku’s long-range finish rounded off another three points.

Show more