On October 2, 2018, CSKA Moscow faced Real Madrid in a UEFA Champions League Group G match at the VEB Arena in Moscow. CSKA Moscow secured a surprising 1-0 victory over the reigning champions, Real Madrid, in a match that demonstrated CSKA’s defensive resilience and ability to capitalize on an early mistake by the Spanish giants.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- CSKA Moscow: 1 (Nikola Vlašić 2′)
- Real Madrid: 0
- Possession:
- Real Madrid dominated possession with 73%, while CSKA Moscow had 27%. Despite Real Madrid’s significant control of the ball, they struggled to break down CSKA’s well-organized defense.
- Shots:
- Real Madrid registered 26 shots, with 4 on target, reflecting their efforts to find an equalizer but their lack of clinical finishing. CSKA Moscow had 8 shots, with 2 on target, including the early goal that proved decisive.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Real Madrid had a passing accuracy of 91%, completing 774 passes out of 852 attempts. CSKA Moscow’s passing accuracy was lower at 73%, completing 236 passes out of 322 attempts. Real Madrid’s ability to keep the ball under pressure was evident, but they were unable to convert their possession into goals.
- Defensive Statistics:
- CSKA Moscow made 24 tackles compared to Real Madrid’s 11, highlighting their aggressive approach to regaining possession and disrupting Real Madrid’s play. CSKA’s defense, led by Igor Akinfeev in goal, was resolute, particularly in the latter stages of the match.
- Set Pieces:
- The only goal of the match came from a mistake early on when Toni Kroos’s misplaced pass was intercepted by Nikola Vlašić, who calmly slotted the ball past Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Keylor Navas in the 2nd minute. Despite multiple corners and set-piece opportunities, Real Madrid was unable to capitalize, with CSKA’s defense and Akinfeev making crucial interventions.
- Individual Performances:
- Nikola Vlašić was the standout player for CSKA Moscow, scoring the winning goal and being a constant threat on the counter-attack. Igor Akinfeev, CSKA’s goalkeeper, was also crucial, making several key saves to preserve the lead, though he was sent off in stoppage time for dissent. For Real Madrid, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema were active but unable to find the breakthrough.
- Tactical Overview:
- CSKA Moscow, under Viktor Goncharenko, employed a 3-4-3 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. Real Madrid, managed by Julen Lopetegui, used a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing possession and width but struggling to break down CSKA’s compact defensive lines. CSKA’s tactics were highly effective in frustrating Real Madrid and securing a historic win.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw six yellow cards, five for CSKA Moscow and one for Real Madrid. CSKA’s Igor Akinfeev was shown a red card for dissent in stoppage time, leaving them to finish the game with ten men. The match was physical, with CSKA committed to breaking up Real Madrid’s play.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Real Madrid won 12 corners compared to CSKA Moscow’s 2, reflecting their sustained pressure throughout the match. However, they were unable to make these set-piece opportunities count. CSKA were caught offside 3 times, while Real Madrid had 2 offside calls, indicating their attempts to stretch CSKA’s defense.
Summary
CSKA Moscow’s 1-0 victory over Real Madrid at the VEB Arena was a significant upset in the UEFA Champions League, marking one of the club’s most memorable European nights. Nikola Vlašić’s early goal in the 2nd minute, following a mistake by Toni Kroos, gave CSKA the lead, and they defended resolutely for the remainder of the match.
Real Madrid, despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, were unable to break down CSKA’s well-organized defense, with Igor Akinfeev making crucial saves to keep the Spanish giants at bay. The victory was a testament to CSKA’s tactical discipline, defensive resilience, and the ability to capitalize on their limited opportunities.
For Real Madrid, the result was a disappointing setback in their Champions League campaign, highlighting their struggles in front of goal and inability to convert possession into clear chances. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to find a way past CSKA’s determined defense.
This match is remembered as a historic victory for CSKA Moscow, who managed to defeat the reigning Champions League holders, while Real Madrid were left to reflect on missed opportunities and a lack of cutting edge in attack.
