DONBASS vs. TRAKTOR – 3:2 SO. Press-conference after the match

Valery Belousov, Traktor head coach:
- I asked my players to focus on the defense. We managed to do it for forty minutes, but then something went wrong, we allowed two goals and the game slipped away from our hands. It's bad enough to give away the needed result - there isn't anybody to perform penalty shots.

Andrey Nazarov, Donbass head coach:
- I would like to congratulate my team on tonight's victory. We had a very tough beginning in this game. Even though no one was called to their national teams, a tight schedule takes their toll. Good thing we were able to turn this game around.

Question to Nazarov: It seems as though Donbass first creates problems and then heroically overcomes them. Is that so?
Nazarov: You know, I can't agree with you on that. No one can underestimate Traktor; this is the last season's runner-up, might I remind you. They had a good beginning, and it was a tough matchup, and once again I want to say that I am really glad that things turned out the way they did.

Question to Nazarov: Was the second goal Leighton's fault?
Nazarov: Goalies can't be blamed for any goal, they are human after all. Our skaters supported Leighton tonight with a win, so I thank them for that.

Question to Nazarov: Game in and game out Donbass picks up the pace late in the match. How difficult is it?
Nazarov: It's hard to say. We pay a lot of attention to this aspect. I won't tell you any details, but if our performance is any indication, we are going in the right direction.

Question to Belousov: Is Kuznetsov fine?
Belousov: I am not sure yet, we will have to take a look.

Question to Belousov: Donbass came away with a victory over Traktor for the fourth time. Could you call Donbass one of Traktor's archrivals?
Belousov: I don't think there are any archrivals for any team. We just have to be disciplined. Less mistakes means victory. Tonight we had a two-goal lead, made two mistakes and lost the match in the shootouts.

Question to Belousov: Is there any sense of disappointment as to how Kuznetsov is doing in this season?
Belousov: Injuries have been haunting him since the beginning of this season. He is a talented player, but this year he cannot get anything going.