Opponent

What we already know about Lokomotiv

► Lokomotiv are currently leader of their league, with a 5 point lead on Spartak Moscow (2nd) and a final game to play on Monday, ahead of the winter break.

► The Gym’s opponent finished top of Group F of the Europa League, finishing ahead of Copenhagen, Sheriff Tiraspol and the Czechs of Zlin.

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► The Russian league won’t have started up again when the Round of 32 takes place. It is only in March, on the 4th, that their Matchday 21 is due to take place.

► The club from Moscow have, amongst the ranks, certain faces that are recognisable to fans of French football, like of course, former Gym defender Nemanja Pejcinovic, former Tottenham manVedran Corluka, the Peruvian midfielder Jefferson Farfan, the ex-Gone Maciej Rybus, in attack, Brazilian Ari (who was impressive against the Gym whilst playing for Krasnodar last year) and the Portuguese forward Eder, who brought down the Bleus at Euro 2016.

► The side is coached by Yuri Semin (70 years old), Russian national side coach in 2005, and who also wore the club’s colours as a player.

► Lokomotiv play in the magnificent and modern RZD Arena. 28,000 capacity.

► Last season, the club won the Russian Cup. 

► It will be the second time that OGC Nice face a Russian club in Europe, after Krasnodar in 2016-17.