Lokomotiv Moscow – Atletico Madrid

Lokomotiv Moscow hosts Atletico Madrid in a second leg from the 1/8-finals of the Europa League. The game is going to be played at the RZD Arena in the Russian capital Moscow.

The fight in this clash seems to be over after a 3-0 win for Atletico in the first match. Diego Simeone’s boys didn’t let Lokomotiv any chances to survive at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano. Goals by Saul, Diego Costa and Koke put the Russian side to sleep. Now the rematch in Moscow looks like just a formality.

Atletico Madrid are one of the big favourites to win the trophy this year. They entered the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group, being unable to beat Roma and Chelsea for one of the first two places. It was kind of surprising, because the Rojiblancos are usually performing very successful in Europe’s best competition.

Being behind Barca in La Liga and out of the Copa del Rey, Europa League remains Atletico’s only chance of winning a trophy this season. Diego Simeone already won this competition once with the club, so you can be sure that he’d want to do it again. He knows that the club’s fans will be happy to celebrate another trophy with him as a manager.

As for Lokomotiv, the Moscow side is leading the standings in the Russian Premier League, so this season could be very successful for them. Lokomotiv currently have 8 points advantage of Spartak Moscow at first place, so they look like the number one favourite to win the gold medals. As it looks now, next season Lokomotiv will participate in the Champions League.

For Atletico it’s a matter of 90 minutes to qualify for the 1/4-finals of Europa League. For Lokomotiv Moscow this is a chance to defend their crest and pride.