Dynamo thrash Alania and reach Russian Cup Final

Vyacheslav Grulev was not available for Dynamo due to disqualification. In their turn, Sebastian Szymanski and Fedor Smolov recovered from injuries and came back to the starting eleven for this crucial Cup fixture. Roman Yevgenyev formed a centre-back duo with the captain Fabián Balbuena, while Denis Makarov took the right winger position.

The White-Blues could take the lead just on the 1st minute: Makarov and Varela interplayed well on the right wing. The Uruguayan international crossed to Smolov who volleyed over the crossbar. The hosts continued to put pressure on Alania but Soldatenko and luck were not on their side.

However, Dynamo insistence led to the first goal. Moro assisted on Makarov amazingly. The winger redirected the ball to Smolov who succeeded in finishing – 1:0.

Alania created the best chance by David Kobesov's efforts. The Ossetian playmaker turned around inside the penalty box and struck low past Leshchuk – Makarov cleared the ball off the goal line. By the end of the first half Diego Laxalt raced through the wing rolling the ball to Szymanski. Seba was unlucky again hitting the left post. In the next episode, Laxalt received a thigh injury and was replaced by Dmitry Skopintsev.

During the break Alania manager Spartak Gogniyev fielded three new players at once. It didn't help at the beginning of the second half because the White-Blues scored once again. David Shavlokhov made a great gift to Smolov who waited for Zakharyan joining the attack. The talented youngster smashed the ball over Soldatenko making it 2:0.

The Vladikavkaz side attempted to cut the lead. Alan Tsarayev hit the crossbar from 20 meters. Then, Khetag Khosonov missed the target after the rebound.

On the 73rd minute, Shavlokhov stopped Konstantin Tyukavin's run at the cost of a red card. Things got worse for the visitors when they started playing ten man. Szymanski hit the crossbar for the third time. In his turn, Tyukavin clinched Dynamo a big win capitalising on Daniil Lesovoy's assist.

In the final game that will be held at Luzhniki Stadium on May 29, Dynamo will play against the winner, which will be determined through Spartak — Enisey clash.