Real frozen out in Moscow
Goals from Maksim Buznikin and Igor Cherevtchenko condemned Real to a 2-0 defeat in Moscow as Lokomotiv secured their place in the UEFA Cup.
Goals from Maksim Buznikin and Igor Cherevtchenko condemned Real to a 2-0 defeat in Moscow as Lokomotiv secured their place in the UEFA Cup.
The Spanish champions, already assured of top spot in Group A, travelled to Moscow without the likes of Luis Figo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane, Fernando Hierro and Roberto Carlos.
Consequently Real failed to get going in near sub-zero temperatures in the Russian capital, although as far as their coach Vicente Del Bosque is concerned, that was no excuse for some of the errors committed by his make-shift side.
Real started the game with good intentions but struggled to find their rhythm in the cold conditions. The first signs of weakness in the Real defence appeared just after the quarter-hour mark when a misunderstanding between Francisco Pavon and keeper César Sánchez almost allowed Lokomotiv in for the opener.
Soon afterwards, Pedro Munitis went close for Real but his effort brushed the outside of the post following some excellent inter-play between Santiago Solari and Fernando Morientes.
Real were left to rue their squandered opportunities when Lokomotiv took the lead just after the half-hour mark, as Rouslan Pimenov's free-kick aimed towards the near post was turned goalwards by an unmarked Buznikin.
The goal was clearly a blow to the visitors, who despite valiantly battling to pull a goal back to restore their pride, fell further behind five minutes into the second half as Cherevtchenko connected with a loose ball in the area.
Again Del Bosque was clearly livid with his defence for the lapse in concentration and, in an attempt to atone for their sloppy defending, Real continued to put on a brave face in the wintry conditions but ultimately failed to threaten the Russian goal.
Lokomotiv's win leaves them with seven points, four points clear of bottom club Anderlecht who drew 1-1 at Roma tonight, so they will be in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup.
In contrast, Real are still without a win in the Russian capital and their unbeaten record in this season's Champions League has fallen by the way-side, but tonight was all about self preservation ahead of Sunday's home game with Barcelona.