Real Madrid only have one away goal heading to the Santiago Bernabeu, but they could have had more. CSKA Moscow backup goalkeeper Sergei Chepchugov and the CSKA back line had solid games, doing enough to keep their side in the match for the entire game. It appeared heading to stoppage time that CSKA would be facing an impossible task at the Santiago Bernabeau, but a late equalizer gave them a 1-1 draw and a chance in the second leg.
CSKA Moscow Vs. Real Madrid, 2012 UEFA Champions League: CSKA Snatch A Late Draw
Cristiano Ronaldo scored Madrid's only goal in the 28th minute. Fabio Coentrao provided the assist with a cross, which Zoran Tosic failed to clear. He inadvertently nodded the ball to Ronaldo, who struck a precise half-volley with his left foot into the back of the net.
Madrid's best chances other than the goal came just before that, in the 16th minute. After Karim Benzema was forced out of the game with an injury, substitute striker Gonzalo Higuain forced a save out of Chepchugov with his first touch of the ball. The rebound fell to Sami Khedira, and Chepchugov made an even better save on him to keep Madrid off the scoreboard at the time.
With a 1-0 lead on the road, Madrid looked to keep more possession and attack a bit less in the second half of the match. CSKA Moscow got out on the counter on a few occasions, but Sergio Ramos and Pepe had good games and kept Iker Casillas from being tested until the final seconds. In classic Jose Mourinho fashion, Madrid did well to shut up shop, but they would concede at the death.
The goal came in the 93rd minute on a free kick. Coentrao committed a handball outside of the penalty area, giving CSKA one last chance at an equalizer. Sekou Oliseh took the free kick and Sergei Ignashevich got his head to it, nodding it into a dangerous area. Pontus Wernbloom was waiting and struck a half-volley past Casillas, scoring on his debut to give CSKA a miracle draw.
For more on Los Merengues, check out Real Madrid blog Managing Madrid.
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