AN IMPORTANT VICTORY IN TASHKENT AND SOLE LEADERSHIP

​The teams started the first half of the match in Tashkent cautiously, focusing mainly on ball control. As early as the 9th minute, Zoran Marusic had a great opportunity to open the scoring, but his shot lacked accuracy. A minute later, during a quick counterattack, Bilol Tupliyev of the "Railwaymen" found himself almost one-on-one with our goalkeeper. Botirali Ergashev showed great skill and managed to save his dangerous shot.

​Following this episode, the initiative and ball possession gradually shifted to our team. The Fergana side created a series of dangerous chances and came very close to opening the scoring. However, the hosts' goalkeeper, Aleksey Kozlov, acted reliably in several moments, saving his team from a goal and keeping a clean sheet. Thus, the first half ended goalless — 0:0.

​The second half of the match, as expected, was completely dominated by our team. The efforts of our players, who played with great intensity and high pressure, paid off in the 62nd minute. During a quick attack, Zoran Marusic capitalized on a gross mistake by the opponent's defender and scored a beautiful goal with a powerful and accurate shot, making it — 0:1.

​Even after taking the lead, our team did not reduce its attacking momentum; on the contrary, they began to play even more actively. However, in many of the favorable situations created, our players lacked a bit of precision. Towards the end of the half, although the Tashkent team tried to equalize, our defensive line displayed a highly disciplined game and neutralized all dangerous situations. In the end, our team maintained the winning scoreline, earned a crucial three points, and once again became the sole leader in the league standings.

​UZBEKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE

September 20, Matchday 22

Tashkent city, "Lokomotiv" stadium, 19:30

​"LOKOMOTIV" 0:1 "NEFTCHI"

Goals: Zoran Marusic, 62' (0:1)

​Main referee: Asker Nadjafaliyev

Assistant referees: Baxtiyorxo‘ja Shavkatov, Avazbek Abdullayev

Fourth official: Javohir Sadaqulov

VAR: Nayim Qosimov

AVAR: Alisher Raximkulov

Referee Assessor: Babur Xaydarov

Match Commissioner: Abdulvosidxon Valixonov

​"Neftchi": 1. Botirali Ergashev, 5. Ikromjon Alibayev, 7. Abrorbek Ismoilov (9. Xurshid G‘iyosov, 69'), 10. Jamshid Iskanderov (30. Rustambek Fomin, 90'), 15. Nurmuhammad Abdug‘aniyev, 20. Anvarjon G‘ofurov, 22. Alisher Odilov (18. Stipe Perica, 69'), 32. Zoran Marusic (71. Bilolxon Toshmirzayev, 69'), 34. Farrux Sayfiyev, 52. Koffi Kouao, 77. Ratinho (21. Muxsinjon Ubaydullayev, 81')

​Substitutes: 45. Akbar To‘rayev, 17. Azizbek Muratov, 19. Azizbek Erimbetov, 27. Nurbek Sarsenbayev

​Head coach: Islombek Ismoilov

​PFC "Neftchi" Press Service