LOSC leveller curtails Krasnodar campaign
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Article summary
Krasnodar FC 1-1 LOSC Lille
A late Nolan Roux header cancelled out Ari's opener as LOSC drew in Russia, ending home hopes of progressing from Group H.
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• Krasnodar pegged back by late LOSC goal in Group H
• Ari rewards Krasnodar's first-half pressure with opening goal (35)
• Nolan Roux's powerful header brings LOSC level (79)
• Draw means Krasnodar are out; LOSC must beat Wolfsburg on matchday six
• Next games: LOSC v Wolfsburg, Everton v Krasnodar (11 December)
FC Krasnodar and LOSC Lille shared the spoils in UEFA Europa League Group H, a result that eliminated the Russian side and left their French opponents' prospects in the balance.
Needing a win to remain in contention, Krasnodar started on the front foot, forcing four corners in quick succession in the early stages. LOSC were not without a threat of their own, Florent Balmont firing a long-range effort straight at Andriy Dykan, but in the main the danger was towards the French team's goal.
Ragnar Sigurdsson came close to breaking the deadlock when he met Joãozinho's left-wing corner at the near post, Vincent Enyeama reacting smartly to keep out the deflected attempt – but their was nothing the Nigerian international could do ten minutes before the interval. An incisive passing move ended with Pavel Mamaev flicking the ball into the path of Ari, and the No9 kept his head to clip a finish over Enyeama.
LOSC emerged for the second period with more purpose and might have been level within two minutes, Dykan palming aside David Rozehnal's well-struck volley. LOSC were made to wait for their reward, but finally drew level 11 minutes from time.
Balmont's powerful burst down the right was key, the midfielder then delivering a perfect cross for Nolan Roux to thump a header past Dykan. The goalkeeper saved from Ryan Mendes to keep alive home hopes of a winning goal, but Enyeama's stop from Wanderson's free-kick ensured they were dashed.