Lokomotiv Moscow vs Juventus
Champions League
Date: Wednesday, 6 November 2019
Kick-off at 17:55 UK / 18:55 CET
Venue: RZD Arena (Moscow).
Match preview
Lokomotiv is certainly not out of it when it comes to challenging for a top-two spot, but it would probably be fair to say that the Russian outfit will have to beat Juve on Wednesday night to stand a chance of qualifying.
Moscow Giants are third in Group D with three points, four points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid and leaders Juve, who both have seven points to show from their two games in the section.
Lokomotiv started their campaign with an impressive 2-1 win away to Bayer Leverkusen but have lost their last two at home to Atletico and away to Juve. It was always going to be difficult to book their place in the last 16, although securing third - and a place in the Europa League - will be considered a success.
Yuri Semin side will enter the match on the back of a 1-1 draw with FC Ufa in the league on Saturday, which has left them third in the Russian Premier League, only three points of leaders Zenit St Petersburg.
Lokomotiv had really only won five of his last 14 games they were in Europe in Moscow, while they have lost three of their four games with the Italian opposition at home, which is not a record that will fill the support with too much confidence heading into the clash lock Wednesday ,
As mentioned, Juve top Group D heading to the next set of fixtures with seven points to show from their three games. The Old Lady opened with a 2-2 draw away to Atletico before recording victories over Leverkusen and Lokomotiv in their next two to lead the section at the midpoint.
It was far from plain sailing at home to Lokomotiv last time as they actually trailed for a long time. Paulo Dybala came with a leveler on 77 minutes, however, before the Argentine struck the winner two minutes later to secure a vital three points.
This is the 20th year that Juve have been present in the group stages of the Champions League and Serie A giants have reached the round of 16 or better in 16 of the previous 19. Last season, Juve made it to the quarter-finals, where they were surprisingly knocked out by giant Netherlands Ajax.
Unbelievably, Juve have actually lost their last five European Cup finals them, while they have not lifted the trophy since 1996. While delaying other threats to land Inter Milan Serie A title will be considered a success, this is a competition that the club really want to win this season.
Sarri sides will enter this match on the back of a 1-0 win over Torino in Serie A at the weekend, which saw them return to the top ahead of Inter, which has been very well under Antonio Conte this season.
Lokomotiv Moscow vs Juventus - Match Stats
Prior to Matchday 3 Juventus has won two previous matches between the sides without conceding, out 4-0 winners on aggregate in the 1993/94 UEFA Cup first round.
A 2-1 win at Bayer Leverkusen on Matchday 1 was Lokomotiv's first away win in the Champions League since a 2-1 win at Galatasaray in the 2002/03 first group stage.
Lokomotiv have won only five of their last 14 games in Europe in Moscow, losing seven.
Lokomotiv's last visit of the Italian club brought a 3-0 defeat of Internazionale in the group stage of the 2003/04 UEFA Champions League, their only success against Serie A; their record in Moscow opposite D1 L3, and overall D4 L7.
Prediction: Lokomotiv Moscow vs Juventus - 1-2
