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Lokomotiv Moscow 0 - Real Madrid 1 Lokomotiv:
Ovchinnikov; Nizhegorodov, Ignashevitch, Pashinin, Sennikov; Izmailov,
Maminov (Sirkhaev 81'), Mnguni (Julio César 72'), Evseev; Pimenov,
Loskov. 4-4-2. Goals: Group C: Real Madrid qualified for the quarter finals of the competition after their first ever victory in Moscow. The European champions had never won in seven visits to the Russian capital, but this time they needed a victory against Lokomotiv to be sure of staying in the competition. With temperatures below freezing and the pitch in a terrible state, Del Bosque needed to count on all of his top players, and he was relieved when Iván Helguera passed a late fitness test. He was however missing the suspended Roberto Carlos, and the versatile Solari stepped in at left back. It took a while to adapt to the conditions, but Pavón and Helguera combined well in defence and did not let anything through in the opening minutes. Then ten minutes before the break Raúl sent Figo away down the right wing for him to float the ball onto the head of the unmarked Ronaldo, who headed past Ovchinnikov from close range. However they were unable to add to their lead, and as news came in that Borussia Dortmund were winning in Milan, nerves started to fray. A goal from the Russians would have meant the elimination of Madrid, but Casillas saved well from Evseev and Loskov and Julio César both put shots wide in the dying minutes when free in front of the young keeper. The Spaniards avoided Barcelona and Valencia in the quarter final draw and go on to play Manchester United, hosts of this year's final. If they win that one though they could meet Barcelona if they in turn defeat Juventus. |
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