The national champions are back on top after success in Sochi.
Lokomotiv Moscow cemented their place as Russia’s most successful beach soccer side this weekend by claiming a fourth national title against Joker Troya in Sochi.
The men from the capital – Russian champions from 2011 to 2013 – eventually recaptured the crown by beating Joker 6-2.
As in previous games en route to the final, Lokomotiv started strongly and moved 3-0 ahead inside the opening 12 minutes thanks to a brace from captain Leonov and another from Gorchinskii.
A somewhat shellshocked Joker composed themselves at the interval and responded after the restart through the Brazilian Katarino but Lokomotiv remained a cut above as Lucao added his side’s fourth before Gorchinskii claimed a second.
With the contest effectively decided, Lokomotiv and Joker found the target once more each goal apiece in the final period as the former champions regained their mantle as the country’s best side – ending the recent dominance of BSC Kristall.
“We had not won the tournament for a long time and had been waiting for this,” Gorchinskii told Beach Soccer Russia.
“Lokomotiv dominated for several years but it is impossible to win all the time, and new powers emerged such as Kristall. But, even in these seasons, we never fell below a certain level and were almost always in the money.
“It is obvious that when the bar is set so high, then everyone is just waiting for wins. We really wanted to win this year.”
Former winners Kristall were forced to settle for third place as they won their play-off against City 7-4.
Kristall were 7-1 up going into the final 12 minutes and, with the result not in doubt, were able to ease their way to victory and ensure themselves a medal.
Lokomotiv’s Lukao was awarded the MVP title while the Brazilian shared top scorer honours with team-mate Peremitin after both registered 10 goals.
Image and information via Beach Soccer Russia
