CSKA Moscow rescued a point with a 1-1 draw against Roma on Tuesday night at an empty Arena Khimki in Group E action of the Champions League.
This European tie was CSKA’s last under their supporters’ ban from the stadium, after UEFA clamped down on persistent racial behaviour from a section of the Russian side’s fans.
After a largely uneventful first half, Francesco Totti smashed home a free-kick to claim the points for the visitors.
A huge miss each for either side in the second half made it seem as if the game was set for a 0-1 finish, but defender Vassili Bertezutski claimed a draw in the dying seconds of the match with a fluke cross.
CSKA Moscow
Igor Akinfeev – 6 – Stranded
Made a smart save to stop Roma racing into a 2-0 lead, but didn’t have a hope with Totti’s fabulous strike. Controlled his area well for the most part, coming out to catch when necessary.
Mario Fernandes – 6 – Lacking
Was expected to provide an attacking option down the right side and did so by overlapping, but end product was lacking.
Vassili Berezutski – 7.5 – Hero
Produced a perfect challenge to dispossess Gervinho when the Ivorian was mazing his way around the penalty area. Scored a goal with just seconds remaining to keep CSKA’s hopes firmly alive via a cross which squeezed between numerous bodies inside the box.
Sergei Ignashevich – 6 – Partner
Was the defensive partner of Berezutski but was less often seen making challenges on the pitch. Still played without any big faults however.
Georgi Schennikov – 6.5 – Overlap
Provided CSKA’s first chance of the match, finding space to storm down the left side and force a tip away from De Sanctis. Alongside Fernandes was relied upon to overlap the wide midfielders.
Aleksandrs Cauna – 4 – Passenger
Contributed very close to nothing to the match, and was hauled off not long after the hour mark.
Roman Eremenko – 5 – Inconsistent
Made good movement but had very little product to complement it. Eventually produced a superb pass for Doumbia which was swept up by Astori.
Bibras Natkho – 6 – Unremarkable
Was a doubt for this game, but started as CSKA’s sole holding midfielder. Was unremarkable but didn’t look to be out of his depth.
Alan Dzagoev – 4.5 – Torn
Provided what was sadly one of the most exciting moments of the first half until the opener, by drilling a 25 yard shot just wide of the post. Sat back too much while attacking as CSKA feared a Roma counter. Missed a golden chance right at the end as a partly-cleared ball dropped towards the back post, but the midfielder opted for the scissor kick, connecting only with air.
Ahmed Musa – 5.5 – Frustrated
Saw less of the ball than he would have hoped for, as his speed has the potential to harm any defence. Panicky attacking play from CSKA as they fought for their Champions League survival didn’t benefit the Nigerian. Hit a high shot towards goal with too little power in the second half.
Seydou Doumbia – 5 – Wasteful
Should have done a lot better when presented with his opportunities. Firstly struggled to sort his feet out, and then fired a shot within the reach of De Sanctis from a good position.
Substitutes
Georgi Milanov – 5 – Ineffectual
The 22-year-old has only ever scored one goal for CSKA and didn’t look like being the one to revive their European hopes.
Zoran Tosic – N/A
Roma
Morgan De Sanctis – 6.5 – Veteran
Produced a hugely crucial save to deny Doumbia at the near post, keeping his side from falling behind against the run of play. Made a comfortable save from Musa in the second half as the player’s shot lacked power.
Alessandro Florenzi – 7 – Marauding
The makeshift full-back was often seen in his usual attacking position, but made sure that he was in a defensive one when required. Won the free-kick for Totti’s goal and then quickly after almost scored himself, forcing Akinfeev into a low save.
Kostas Manolas – 7.5 – Marshalling
Dealt well with CSKA’s method of firing low crosses, and generally kept a good hold on Doumbia.
Davide Astori – 7 – Strength
Combined with Manolas to thwart CSKA’s one striker system, staying close to Doumbia and mostly preventing the Cote d’Ivoire man from having space to turn.
Jose Holebas – 6.5 – Energetic
Came in for Ashley Cole who has been looking past his best in recent weeks, and provided bundles of energy down the left side. Matched Musa for brains and forced him away from the wing.
Seydou Keita – 6 – Holding
Wasn’t often seen contributing to attacking movements but isn’t expected to, did his job defensively and only an unpredictable moment at the end prevented a clean sheet.
Daniele De Rossi – 6 – Quiet
Offered few moments going forward but linked with Keita in a similar role well to provide a barrier to CSKA’s attack.
Radja Nainggolan – 5.5 – Box to box
Tried to play in the forwards via passes over the top of the defence, but CSKA’s defensive strategy largely prevented anything coming from them. Weaved his way past a defender to find unlikely space inside the box, but could only curl his shot just wide of the upright inexplicably. Will regret his miss.
Adem Ljajic – 5.5 – Uncharacteristic
Came into the match in good form but failed to really make his mark on the game. Made a couple of good runs but wasn’t able to be picked out until the last 10 minutes. Was through on goal but had his low shot blocked by Akinfeev.
Francesco Totti – 6.5 – Inspiration
After a quiet first half, stepped up to fire a free-kick into the corner leaving the goalkeeper with no chance, providing Roma with the breakthrough they had been searching for.
Gervinho – 7 – Lively
Was one of the more lively players in the first half, providing direct runs as opposed to passing moves. Always looked dangerous on the counter attack and dragged players from position.
Substitutes
Juan Iturbe – 6 – Quick
Came on with 13 minutes left and quickly made an impact, sliding Ljajic through on goal.
Kevin Strootman – N/A
Miralem Pjanic – N/A
