Salpingidis double derails Lokomotiv

Panathinaikos FC ended FC Lokomotiv Moskva's interest in this season's UEFA Cup after securing a comfortable victory in Athens.

Quickfire goals
Dimitrios Salpingidis scored twice in quick succession to secure the points for the home side who qualified for the Round of 32 last week despite sitting out that day. After winning all three of their games in Group B, José Peseiro's side will clinch top spot in the section if they can avoid defeat at second-placed Club Atlético de Madrid on 20 December. Lokomotiv, whose fixtures are now over, needed victory to move out of fourth place.

Near misses
The home side started well and Argentinian midfielder Sebastian Romero missed a great early chance when he was put clean through by Dimitris Papadopoulos but pushed his shot just wide of the upright. Papadopoulos then saw an effort well blocked and later had a penalty appeal turned down. Lokomotiv, who were being led by temporary coach Renat Bilyaletdinov after the recent dismissal of Anatoly Byshovets, then hit the bar through a long-range Aleksander Samedov effort.

Breakthrough
Panathinaikos had to wait until 20 minutes from time before their attacking intent was rewarded as diminutive Greece striker Salpingidis beat Lokomotiv goalkeeper Ivan Pelizzoli with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. Just four minutes later Salpingidis was the grateful recipient of a superb cross from Loukas Vintra to head in.