On December 7, 2011, Inter Milan faced CSKA Moscow in the final group stage match of the UEFA Champions League at the San Siro in Milan. CSKA Moscow secured a crucial 2-1 victory, which allowed them to advance to the knockout stages of the competition.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Inter Milan: 1 (Ricardo Álvarez 51′)
- CSKA Moscow: 2 (Seydou Doumbia 50′, Vasili Berezutski 86′)
- Possession:
- Inter Milan had 56% possession, while CSKA Moscow had 44%. Despite Inter controlling more of the ball, CSKA was more effective in making the most of their opportunities.
- Shots:
- Inter Milan registered 14 shots, with 6 on target, showing their intent to break through CSKA’s defense. CSKA Moscow had 12 shots, with 5 on target, demonstrating their clinical finishing and effectiveness in front of goal.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Inter Milan had a passing accuracy of 82%, completing 473 passes out of 577 attempts. CSKA Moscow had a passing accuracy of 78%, completing 322 passes out of 412 attempts. Inter’s ability to retain possession allowed them to control large portions of the game, but CSKA’s directness in attack proved decisive.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Inter Milan made 16 tackles compared to CSKA Moscow’s 19, reflecting the Russian side’s defensive work rate as they sought to protect their lead and contain Inter’s attacks. Inter’s defense was breached twice, with CSKA taking advantage of their chances.
- Set Pieces:
- CSKA Moscow’s first goal came shortly after the second half began, with Seydou Doumbia finding the net following a quick counter-attack. Inter responded almost immediately with an equalizer from Ricardo Álvarez, who finished off a well-worked move. The decisive goal came in the 86th minute when Vasili Berezutski headed home from a corner, securing the win for CSKA.
- Individual Performances:
- Seydou Doumbia was key for CSKA Moscow, opening the scoring and providing a constant threat to Inter’s defense. Vasili Berezutski’s late header sealed the victory and secured CSKA’s place in the knockout stages. For Inter Milan, Ricardo Álvarez was one of the brighter players, scoring the equalizer and creating several opportunities, but his efforts were not enough to prevent defeat.
- Tactical Overview:
- Inter Milan, under Claudio Ranieri, employed a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield and using their wide players to create chances. CSKA Moscow, managed by Leonid Slutsky, used a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. CSKA’s tactics were effective, allowing them to soak up pressure and strike at key moments.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, two for CSKA Moscow (Sergei Ignashevich 58′, Alan Dzagoev 79′) and one for Inter Milan (Esteban Cambiasso 69′). The fouls were tactical, aimed at breaking up the opposition’s play and preventing dangerous attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Inter Milan won 5 corners compared to CSKA Moscow’s 4, reflecting their territorial advantage in the match. However, they were unable to capitalize on these set-piece opportunities. Both teams were caught offside twice, showing their attempts to stretch the opposition’s defensive lines.
Summary
CSKA Moscow’s 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro was a crucial result that secured their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. In a match where Inter Milan controlled possession and created several chances, CSKA’s resilience and clinical finishing were the deciding factors.
Seydou Doumbia opened the scoring for CSKA early in the second half, only for Inter to respond quickly with an equalizer from Ricardo Álvarez. However, it was Vasili Berezutski’s late header from a corner that ultimately won the game for CSKA, sending them through to the Round of 16.
For Inter Milan, the defeat was disappointing as they were unable to capitalize on their chances and control of the game. Despite advancing to the knockout stages as group winners, the loss raised concerns about their form and consistency.
CSKA Moscow’s victory at the San Siro was a significant achievement, showcasing their ability to compete against top European sides and advance in the competition. The result was a testament to their tactical discipline, determination, and the quality of players like Doumbia and Berezutski, who played pivotal roles in securing the win.
