CSKA Moskva out after draw against Leverkusen
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Article summary
CSKA Moskva's slim chance of a top-two finish in Group E disappeared as they could only manage a 1-1 draw against unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen, who stay second behind Monaco.
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CSKA Moskva's hopes of a top-two finish in UEFA Champions League Group E are over after the Army Men drew 1-1 at home against Bayer Leverkusen.
The visitors began brightly and broke the deadlock when Kevin Volland, fed by Kevin Kampl, beat Igor Akinfeev from close range for his first goal in Europe's premier club competition.
Bibras Natcho's second-half penalty restored parity after Benjamin Henrichs had fouled Mário Fernandes, but the hosts could not fashion a late winner against a resolute Werkself side, who remain in second place.
Key player: Alan Dzagoev (CSKA)
This was Dzagoev's first appearance since 18 September, yet there was no sign of rustiness from the Russian international, who ran CSKA's midfield in the second half in particular. The 26-year-old deserved to end up on the winning team after an all-action display, but it was not to be.
Exuberance of youth
CSKA's UEFA Champions League campaign may be over for another season, but there are some encouraging signs for Leonid Slutski, whose young players came to the fore. Eighteen-year-old forward Fedor Chalov had a fine European debut, while but for better finishing, midfielder Aleksandr Golovin, 20, could have had at least two goals.
Leverkusen look solid
Leverkusen registered just one point on the road in last term's group stage, but another resolute defensive showing ensured Roger Schmidt's men will end Group E with an unbeaten away record. Ömer Toprak was superb once more, despite sustaining an early knock, while fellow defenders Jonathan Tah, Benjamin Henrichs and Tin Jedvaj are all looking increasingly comfortable at this level.
Reporters' views
Richard van Poortvliet, CSKA (@UEFAcomRichVP)
CSKA's response to falling behind was good. However, the home side's inability to keep a clean sheet once again proved their downfall, as did their frailty at set pieces.
Matthew Howarth, Leverkusen (@UEFAcomMattH)
Although this was not the result Schmidt and his players desired, the point keeps Leverkusen ahead of third-placed Tottenham Hotspur. Leverkusen's fate remains firmly in their hands, yet they might need to do something they have not yet managed in this group stage – win at home, against Monaco – to be sure of the last 16.