The regular time of the Fonbet Russian Cup Regions Path semifinal that was held at VTB Arena, ended in a 0:0 draw. The visitors won on penalties – 4:1.
Anton Shunin recovered fully from injury and became Dynamo number one in the Cup semifinal. Nicolas Ngamaleu and Denis Makarov came out as wingers, while Milan Majstorovic found his name in the starting eleven for the first time in Dynamo career. The Serbian youngster got his chance due to Diego Laxalt's injury and Dmitry Skopintsev's disqualification.
From the very beginning the White-Blues started pushing the visitors and forced them to play closer to their goal. The first chance came to Denis Makarov assisted by Daniil Fomin and Konstantin Tyukavin. Trying to resist to the hosts' hyper pressure, Akron players committed fouls – Danil Poluboyarinov and Vladimir Azarov received yellow cards in the first ten minutes.
By the middle of the first half the Tolyatti side responded with a wing attack finished by Ponce's header. Dynamo players made their positional offensive and Fomin hit the post!
Then, Tyukavin came to the fore. Firstly, the young striker headed the ball in after Eli Dasa's nice delivery. However, the goalkeeper saved Akron. In the next attack Shunin organized a clear chance for Konstantin. The number 70 went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but couldn't beat him.
After the break the Muscovites continued to dominate increasing the amount of shots up to 20. Gagnidze, Tyukavin and especially Makarov bombarded Akron goal from distance. The visitors could turn the situation to their side due to the ricochet off Roberto Fernandez. However, Shunin stood vigilant and palmed the ball away.
The last chance of the game was created by Fomin, who sent Gladyshev down the right wing. The goalkeeper was already out of play, but Ivan Chudin could clear the ball off the goal line after Gladyshev's effort. The fate of the match was decided in the penalty shootout in which the Tolyatti side was luckier.
In the RPL 22nd round fixture the White-Blues will face Spartak on the road on April 8.