Summing up results of the Russian clubs in the international arena, we can call them successful. First of all, it is second year in a row when four our clubs qualified to the spring stage of European cups. Secondly, it is first time in history of Russia when two our clubs are in the play-off of the Champions League.
Champions League
Zenit
The champion of Russia found itself in one group with Shakhtar, Porto and APOEL. Ahead of the tournament most experts believed that rivalry for play-off would take place between Shakhtar, Zenit and Porto. In reality it wasn’t so. One of the main sensations of the current Champions League is APOEL from Cyprus. It left behind all three “paper” favourites. The former champion of Europa League, Porto, took third place only. And Shakhtar became one of the biggest disappointments of qualifying games.
Despite all notes of praise of Zenit the coach team and the administration should fall to thinking. The team needs improvement. It is obvious that playing with Kerzhakov and playing without him are different.
Zenit’s rivalry in the round of last 16 isn’t easy – Portuguese Benfica. “Eagles” are playing this season better than Porto. They took first place in the group leaving behind Basel and Manchester United, which stayed without the spring stage of the Champions League.
CSKA
CSKA’s group included Lille, Trabzonspor and Inter. By the way, the Turkish club participated in the Champions League after the big scandal. Qualification of CSKA was a miracle. One point in two first matches, failure in the home match against Lille, and the complicated situation ahead of the sixth round, when CSKA’s fate was in hands of rivals. Few people believed that the Russian club would manage to beat Inter, but it did.
CSKA’s rival in the round of last 16 will be Real, Madrid. It is the worst variant at all. The team has few chances for win. However, to show great playing the club needs improvement. It seems Vagner will finally leave the team. He should be replaced. But the epic about his leaving is lasting for several seasons, and opportunity to play with one of the best teams of the world.
If CSKA fails in the match with Real, nobody will judge them. But opportunity to give yourself a try on the background of such rival is a perfect chance for making a name.
A.Sokolov. Exclusively to VK
