Lokomotiv Tashkent power past Neftchi Fergana 4-2 in Uzbekistan Cup

Lokomotiv Tashkent produced a sharp, clinical attacking display to beat Neftchi Fergana 4-2 in the Uzbekistan Cup on Tuesday night, booking their place in the next round with a performance built on quick transitions and ruthless finishing. In a match that swung back and forth, Lokomotiv always had an answer whenever Neftchi threatened to take control.

The scoreline reflects the open nature of the contest. Neftchi Fergana enjoyed long spells of possession and pushed numbers forward in front of their home support, but Lokomotiv Tashkent defended in compact blocks and repeatedly hurt their hosts in the spaces left behind. The result gives Lokomotiv a significant cup boost and leaves Neftchi to regroup.

Match overview

Lokomotiv started with intent and took the lead in the 14th minute when Sardor Rustamov latched onto a loose ball inside the box and finished low into the corner. Neftchi responded well, equalising through Azizbek Yuldashev in the 27th minute after a patient passing move opened up the Lokomotiv defence.

The visitors restored their advantage just before half-time. Javohir Karimov arrived late at the back post to convert a cross and make it 2-1. Neftchi came out strongly after the break and levelled again in the 58th minute through Bekzod Tursunov, whose header from a set-piece gave the home crowd renewed belief.

That belief lasted only 15 minutes. Lokomotiv regained the lead in the 73rd minute when Islom Jalolov finished a fast counter-attack, and Rustamov sealed the win in the 88th minute with his second goal of the night. Neftchi pushed forward in the closing stages, but Lokomotiv managed the game professionally.

Key moments

• 14th minute: Sardor Rustamov opens the scoring for Lokomotiv Tashkent after a defensive scramble.
• 27th minute: Azizbek Yuldashev equalises for Neftchi Fergana with a composed finish.
• 41st minute: Javohir Karimov restores Lokomotiv’s lead with a back-post finish.
• 58th minute: Bekzod Tursunov heads Neftchi level again from a set-piece.
• 73rd minute: Islom Jalolov scores the decisive third goal on the counter.
• 88th minute: Rustamov completes his brace to make it 4-2.

Tactical story

Neftchi Fergana dictated possession for large parts of the match, building through midfield and looking to stretch Lokomotiv with wide overlaps. However, their commitment to attack left them exposed whenever they lost the ball in advanced areas. Lokomotiv Tashkent were happy to sit slightly deeper and strike on the break, and the plan worked perfectly.

Lokomotiv’s midfield duo shielded the back four well and recycled possession quickly into the channels. Their front players timed their runs intelligently, repeatedly catching Neftchi’s full-backs out of position. The visitors also defended set-pieces better in the second half after conceding from a corner, and that adjustment proved important as the game wore on.

Standout performers

Sardor Rustamov was the obvious match-winner for Lokomotiv Tashkent, scoring twice and constantly threatening with his movement. Javohir Karimov also impressed with a goal and an assist, while Islom Jalolov’s energy in transition gave Neftchi problems all evening. For the hosts, Azizbek Yuldashev and Bekzod Tursunov were the bright spots, but their efforts were not enough to rescue a result.

What it means

For Lokomotiv Tashkent, the 4-2 win is a statement result in the Uzbekistan Cup and a confidence boost ahead of their next domestic fixture. Neftchi Fergana will be disappointed with the defensive lapses that cost them, especially after twice fighting back to level the score. The cup exit shifts their focus back to league matters, while Lokomotiv can look forward to the next round with momentum.