On February 24, 2010, CSKA Moscow faced Sevilla in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in Spain.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- CSKA Moscow: 1 (Mark González 66′)
- Sevilla: 1 (Álvaro Negredo 25′)
- Possession:
- CSKA Moscow had 48% possession, while Sevilla had 52%. The match was relatively balanced, with both teams having periods of control, though Sevilla slightly edged the possession stats.
- Shots:
- CSKA Moscow registered 13 shots, with 5 on target, reflecting their efforts to break through Sevilla’s defense. Sevilla had 8 shots, with 4 on target, showing their efficiency in creating chances despite being away from home.
- Passing Accuracy:
- CSKA Moscow had a passing accuracy of 79%, completing 325 passes out of 411 attempts. Sevilla’s passing accuracy was higher at 82%, completing 358 passes out of 438 attempts. Sevilla’s slightly better passing accuracy helped them control the tempo, particularly in midfield.
- Defensive Statistics:
- CSKA Moscow made 18 tackles compared to Sevilla’s 14, indicating their effort to disrupt Sevilla’s play and regain possession. Both defenses were tested throughout the match, with each side having to deal with dangerous attacks from the opposition.
- Set Pieces:
- Sevilla took the lead through Álvaro Negredo, who finished from close range after a well-delivered cross. CSKA Moscow equalized in the second half with a powerful long-range strike from Mark González, who capitalized on a loose ball outside the box and beat Sevilla’s goalkeeper Andrés Palop. Set pieces were contested evenly, but neither team could capitalize on their corner opportunities.
- Individual Performances:
- For CSKA Moscow, Mark González was the standout player, scoring the crucial equalizer and providing a constant threat down the left flank. Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev made several important saves to keep his team in the match. For Sevilla, Álvaro Negredo’s goal was the highlight, and Jesús Navas was instrumental in creating chances from the wing.
- Tactical Overview:
- CSKA Moscow, managed by Leonid Slutsky, employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. Sevilla, under Manolo Jiménez, also used a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to control possession and exploit the width through Navas and Diego Capel. The match was a tactical battle, with both teams showing discipline and structure.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, one for CSKA Moscow (Milos Krasić 56′) and two for Sevilla (Adriano 42′, Fernando Navarro 77′). These fouls were tactical, aimed at breaking up the opposition’s play and preventing dangerous attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Sevilla won 4 corners compared to CSKA Moscow’s 3, reflecting the balanced nature of the match. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating their attempts to push the defensive lines and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
The 1-1 draw between CSKA Moscow and Sevilla at the Luzhniki Stadium left the Round of 16 tie evenly balanced heading into the second leg. Sevilla took the lead in the first half through Álvaro Negredo, who finished off a well-worked move. CSKA Moscow responded in the second half with a spectacular long-range strike from Mark González, ensuring that the Russian side remained in the contest.
Both teams had opportunities to win the match, but solid defensive performances and crucial saves from both goalkeepers meant that neither could find a decisive second goal. The result was a fair reflection of a closely contested match, with both sides demonstrating their tactical discipline and ability to create chances.
The second leg in Sevilla promised to be an intriguing encounter, with the tie finely poised at 1-1. CSKA Moscow knew they would need at least one goal to advance, while Sevilla would aim to capitalize on their away goal advantage. Ultimately, this match set the stage for a competitive and tense return leg in Spain.
