If AS Roma could win in Moscow and Bayern Munich avoided defeat against Manchester City tonight their place would be booked to the round of 16. With 4 games played the Italians had acquired 4 points, not great on their part but that was good enough to achieve second place currently. The Russian club also had 4 points from their first four games. A win would be huge for both clubs.

This is how the teams lined up: 

CSKA Moscow: Akinfeev; Mario Fernandes, V Berezutski, Ignashevich,Schennikov; Natcho; Cauna, R Eremenko, Dzagoev, Musa; Doumbia.

AS Roma: De Sanctis; Florenzi, Manolas, Astori, Holebas; Keita, De Rossi, Nainggolan; Gervinho, Totti, Ljajić.  

Ref: Brych (Germany)

Goalscorers: Totti for AS Roma & Berezutski for CSKA.

The first chance of real substance fell to AS Roma. The makeshift right back, Florenzi combined well with skipper Francesco Totti before drilling his effort across goal just behind Adem Ljajić. After 38 minutes had been played, CSKA had a big chance come their way. Great work from Doumbia led himself to being one on one with Morgan De Sanctis who did well to stop the shot with his trailing leg. The deadlock was finally broken after 43 minutes. Florenzi was fouled on the edge of the box and Francesco Totti made the most out of this by sending his pile driver of a costless kick into the top corner, subsequently putting Roma 1-0 up. Just before half-time it could have been 2 for AS Roma as Florenzi saw his deflected strike brilliantly saved by Igor Akinfeev.

After the interval it was AS Roma who were on the back foot after sustained pressure from the host. However the Giallorossi really should have been 2-0 up when Radja Nainggolan flee passed two challenges and sent his angled effort just wide of the far post. A quick succession of CSKA chances followed. Firstly De Sanctis was called into action when Musa striked. A second chance followed with Alan Dzagoev's header but was easily stopped by the Italian veteran. Moments later Adem Ljajić went on the counter for AS Roma but his shot was parried well by the Russian number 1. 

CSKA had a very good chance to equalise late on but Alan Dzagoev's acrobatic attempt was charged down by former Barça midfielder, Seydou Keita. With 30 seconds or so remaining CSKA Moscow finally equalised. Juan Iturbe losing the ball led for the Russian side to counter. Vasili Berezutski's cross went past everyone to catch Morgan De Sanctis off guard and ended up going in the back of the net.

This result leaves the Russian club with some hope to progress, the Russian champions have Bayern Munich in their next UCL fixture. AS Roma will be kicking themselves that they didn't put this game to bed, however they know that they still have a very good chance to progress considering they have a great head to head record - the Russian club. 5-1 win earlier in Rome.

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About the author
Daniel Fess
An 18 year old lover of Italian and English football