On December 12, 2018, Real Madrid faced CSKA Moscow in the final group stage match of the UEFA Champions League at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. In a stunning result, CSKA Moscow secured a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid, completing a rare double over the Spanish giants in the group stage.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Real Madrid: 0
- CSKA Moscow: 3 (Fedor Chalov 37′, Georgi Schennikov 43′, Arnor Sigurdsson 73′)
- Possession:
- Real Madrid had 66% possession, while CSKA Moscow had 34%. Despite Real Madrid’s control of the ball, they struggled to break down CSKA’s organized defense and capitalize on their possession.
- Shots:
- Real Madrid registered 18 shots, with 6 on target, highlighting their attempts to score but their inefficiency in front of goal. CSKA Moscow had 8 shots, with 5 on target, showcasing their clinical finishing and ability to capitalize on their opportunities.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Real Madrid had a high passing accuracy of 91%, completing 738 passes out of 813 attempts. CSKA Moscow’s passing accuracy was lower at 78%, completing 299 passes out of 384 attempts. Real Madrid’s superior passing accuracy allowed them to control the flow of the game, but they were unable to convert this into goals.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Real Madrid made 14 tackles compared to CSKA Moscow’s 19, reflecting CSKA’s determination to disrupt Real Madrid’s play and protect their lead. CSKA’s defense, led by Igor Diveev and Rodrigo Becão, was resolute, effectively dealing with Real Madrid’s attacks.
- Set Pieces:
- CSKA Moscow’s first goal came in the 37th minute when Fedor Chalov scored with a well-placed shot after a quick counter-attack. Georgi Schennikov doubled the lead just before halftime with a close-range finish following a parried save by Thibaut Courtois. The third goal came in the 73rd minute when Arnor Sigurdsson fired a powerful shot into the net, capping off a clinical performance by the Russian side. Real Madrid’s set-piece opportunities were neutralized by CSKA’s solid defending.
- Individual Performances:
- Fedor Chalov was key for CSKA Moscow, scoring the opener and setting the tone for the match. Georgi Schennikov and Arnor Sigurdsson also played crucial roles, each adding a goal to secure the victory. For Real Madrid, Isco and Marco Asensio were among the most active players, but they struggled to find the breakthrough against a well-organized CSKA defense.
- Tactical Overview:
- Real Madrid, under Santiago Solari, employed a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on dominating possession and attacking down the wings. CSKA Moscow, managed by Viktor Goncharenko, used a 3-4-2-1 formation, prioritizing defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. CSKA’s tactics were highly effective, allowing them to absorb pressure and strike on the counter, exploiting Real Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw one yellow card, issued to CSKA Moscow’s Arnor Sigurdsson for a tactical foul. The game was largely played in good spirit, with few fouls disrupting the flow.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Real Madrid won 11 corners compared to CSKA Moscow’s 3, reflecting their sustained pressure, but they were unable to capitalize on these opportunities. Real Madrid were caught offside 4 times, while CSKA had 1 offside call, indicating Real Madrid’s attempts to break through CSKA’s defense and CSKA’s disciplined defensive line.
Summary
CSKA Moscow’s 3-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu was one of the biggest upsets in the UEFA Champions League group stage that season. The result marked a historic achievement for CSKA, who completed a rare double over Real Madrid, having also defeated them 1-0 in Moscow earlier in the campaign.
Despite Real Madrid dominating possession and creating several chances, they were unable to break down CSKA’s well-organized defense. CSKA, on the other hand, was clinical in front of goal, taking advantage of Real Madrid’s defensive lapses to score three well-taken goals.
Fedor Chalov’s opener set the tone for the match, and Georgi Schennikov’s second just before halftime gave CSKA a commanding lead. Arnor Sigurdsson’s goal in the second half sealed the victory, leaving Real Madrid shell-shocked in front of their home fans.
For Real Madrid, the defeat was a significant disappointment, especially given that they had already qualified for the knockout stages as group winners. The loss raised concerns about their depth and consistency, particularly in matches where they were expected to dominate.
CSKA Moscow’s victory, although not enough to secure progression to the knockout stages, was a statement result that highlighted their ability to compete against Europe’s elite. The match is remembered for CSKA’s tactical discipline, clinical finishing, and the shock it delivered to the footballing world.
