Champions League - Matchpack: CSKA Moscow v Real Madrid
CSKA have not played for over two months due to the Russian winter recess. They have many problems ahead of the clash, not least the continued absence of Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev (knee). Vladimir Gubolov had deputised well enough but he joined Anzhi in the winter break, leaving Sergei Chepchugov - who has mostly played in the second division - and 16-year-old rookie Sergei Revyakin as the only professional goalkeepers at the club. Additionally all-time club top scorer Vagner Love returned to Brazil over Christmas, meaning Nigerian teenage debutant Ahmded Musa will probably start alongside Seydou Doumbia up front. Japan star Keisuke Honda and Chile’s Mark Gonzalez are recovering from operations so another new signing, Pontus Wernbloom, is set to start in midfield. CSKA will also miss defender Kirill Nababkin and midfielder Pavel Mamayev through suspension for the first leg. Real Madrid will probably not risk winger Angel Di Maria, who returned from injury with a goal against Racing Santander on Saturday but bruised a muscle in the process. Lassana Diarra is out with a back complaint, while Hamit Altintop has a torn calf muscle. MANAGER QUOTES Leonid Slutsky: "Igor (Akinfeev) has been the main part of our team for many years, he's almost indispensable, but we'll have to find a way to overcome his absence. " Jose Mourinho: "Now we turn to the Champions League and we must focus on the match against CSKA. Everyone is pleased (with the 4-0 win over Racing), we have two days to recover, and we are a happy group. We have a long journey but happiness helps make miracles. We are very motivated even though we know it will be difficult in Moscow." MATCH FACTS Real Madrid topped Group D with 18 points and a +17 goal difference, the best Champions League Group Stage performance in history. Real Madrid have qualified to the Champions League knockout stage for the 15th consecutive season, currently the longest run. CSKA have lost three of |
