Everton fall to FC Krasnodar defeat

Everton have finished their Europa League Group H campaign with a 1-0 defeat at home to FC Krasnodar this evening.

Antolin Alcaraz headed a corner wide of the post as the hosts started the match on the front foot.

The returning Arouna Kone was the next to threaten, with a fierce low drive that was pushed behind by Andrei Sinitsyn.

Krasnodar began to grow into the game and Wanderson forced Joel Robles to beat away his powerful near-post effort.

It was the Russians who took the lead on the half-hour mark, as Ricardo Laborde broke clear of the defence, before slotting past Robles.

Everton responded well to that set back and Conor McAleny rolled an effort wide, before Alcaraz headed over.

The Toffees went into the break trailing, but they started the second half strongly and Kone forced the keeper to beat away his powerful drive.

They were fortunate not to fall two goals behind as Marat Izmailov was found inside the box by Joaozinho, before guiding his effort wide of the post.

Despite late pressure from the hosts, they were unable to find an equaliser, as they lost for the first time in Europe this season.