RUSSIA: Portugal veteran Manuel Fernandes marks full Krasnodar debut with goal [video]
Portuguese international midfielder Manuel Fernandes opened his account for new club Krasnodar with the equalising goal in his side’s 1-1 draw with Orenburg on Sunday afternoon.
The former Benfica man levelled the scores in the Russian Premier League encounter shortly before half time to cap his first start for Krasnodar with a goal, following a free transfer move during the summer after leaving domestic rivals Lokomotiv Moscow.
Hosts Krasnodar fell behind on 31 minutes when Djordje Despotovic scored from close-range for Orenburg, who had Portuguese attacking midfielder Ricardo Alves – formerly of Portimonense and Belenenses – in their starting line-up.
Fernandes, making his first start after four substitute appearances in both the league and the Europa League, squared the game at 1-1 shortly before half time. The 33-year-old latched onto Megomed Suleymanov’s throughball and beat Orenburg goalkeeper Andrey Klimovich with a neat first-time finish with his left foot in the 43rd minute.
The goal was Fernandes’ first since ending last season with a winning goal for Lokomotiv Moscow against Ural to seal Champions League qualification for the capital side. The 15-time Seleção man left Lokomotiv at the end of the campaign after five years with the club, signing for Krasnodar in early September.
By Sean Gillen