Russia’s FC Krasnodar leave good impression in friendly matches
FC Krasnodar, Birkirkara’s opponents in the third qualifying round of the Europa League (first leg in Malta next Thursday), have been rather impressive in their recent friendly matches in preparation for the start of their campaign in the European club competition.
The Russian side, nicknamed The Bulls, have played at least four friendlies in preparation for their participation in this season’s Champions League third qualifying round.
In their first match, they beat FC Sarajevo of Bosnia Herzegovina 31, then they drew 0-0 with Dukla Prague and registered another drawn result (2-2) against Italian Serie A side Udinese. In their last match on Saturday, Krasnodar defeated Arsenal Tula 4-0.
Striker Fyodor Smolov seems to be a prolific striker with whom the Stripes will have to contend in these two matches.
He scored twice in the 3-1 win against Sarajevo. He also scored the second goal against Udinese. Smolov was again twice on target in the match against Arsenal Tula, scoring the first two goals.
Other players to watch in this Russian side are Joazinho, Wanderson, Ahmedov and Granqvist, who are considered as very experienced players.
Krasnodar play in the Russian Premier League. The club was founded in 2008. In 2009, the club was promoted to the Russian First Division, the second highest division of the Russian football league system, despite finishing Zone South of Second Division in third.
And at the end of the 2010 season, they were promoted to the Russian Premier League for the 2011 season, despite finishing fifth in the first division.
In May 2013, FC Krasnodar began the construction on a 36,260-seat stadium, where the second leg tie against the Stripes will be played.
Chartered flight
Meantime, the Stripes have announced that they are organising a chartered flight for the second leg match in Russia between 2 and 5 August. The match in Krasnodar is being played on 4 August.
The Stripes said those interested in joining the team on this trip are to book by tomorrow.