Lokomotiv Moscow and Zenit Saint Petersburg could only manage draws on day one of the group stages of the UEFA Cup, despite facing their European rivals on home soil.

A thrilling battle between Lokomotiv and Athletico Madrid in Moscow ended 3-3. In Saint Petersburg, it finished 1-1 between Zenit and Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

Moscow clash

The Railwaymen went behind twice before Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie slammed home his second on 64 minutes to give Loko a 3-2 lead.

But it wasn’t to be a dream start for Anatoly Byshovets’s men, as Sergio Aguero also claimed his second of the night just 5 minutes from time to ensure Athletico a share of the spoils.

Petersburg stalemate

Further north in St Petersburg, home side Zenit and AZ Alkmaar from the Netherlands also played out a draw.

Ferreira Da Silva Ari gave the Dutch men the lead 20 minutes in, before Ukranian, Anatoly Timoshuk, leveled proceedings just before the half-time whistle.

It finished as a 1-1 draw.