The Centre Circle

A full, very noisy crowd awaited both teams in the Luhzniki Stadium in Moscow as Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan travelled to Russia to play CSKA. The first chance of the contest came to Honda, CSKA’s bleach blond Japanese international although his well struck low drive flashed wide of Julio Cesar’s left hand post. Inter effectively killed the tie as a contest after just 5 mins, Wesley Schneider took a free kick from around 25 yards on the right hand side. He struck the ball below the jumping wall, wrong footing Akinfeev in the CSKA goal. CSKA would now have to score three times to go through, no chance against an Italian side managed by the master that is Jose Mourinho. After 22 mins following a good passing move, the ball found it’s way to Necid, who’s shot shaved the far post. Shchennikov than went on a darting run which was blocked off by the Inter defence but the ball fell to Mamaev who’s curling effort was easily taken by the keeper. At least CSKA were having a go and after 32 mins, a fast break from the Russians ended with Mamaev getting free on the left hand side but he scuffed his shot. Inter countered straight away and Melito was left one on one with the keeper but he couldn’t finish.

Early into the second half the contest was left meaningless as Odiah, who had already been booked in the first half, slid in way too late on Samuel Eto’o sending the Inter forward flying, and the French referee had no option but to brandish the obligatory red card. The game was meandering now to a inevitable conclusion. The Chilean Gonzalez had a couple of speculative efforts from range for the Russian team and Melito had Inter’s best chance; a second one on one with the CSKA keeper, but Akinfeev held his ground & made a good save. As easier game, Jose Mourinho’s men could never have asked for.

Inter progress to the semi final to face the winner of the Barcelona and Arsenal tie.

CSKA 0-1 Inter Milan (0-2)