On April 6, 2010, CSKA Moscow faced Inter Milan in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Inter Milan secured a 1-0 victory on the night, winning the tie 2-0 on aggregate to advance to the semi-finals.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- CSKA Moscow: 0
- Inter Milan: 1 (Wesley Sneijder 6′)
- Possession:
- CSKA Moscow had 54% possession, while Inter Milan had 46%. Despite CSKA’s higher possession, Inter Milan’s organized defense and early goal allowed them to manage the game effectively and protect their aggregate lead.
- Shots:
- CSKA Moscow registered 12 shots, with 5 on target, reflecting their attempts to break through Inter’s defense. Inter Milan had 9 shots, with 4 on target, focusing more on efficiency and capitalizing on key moments.
- Passing Accuracy:
- CSKA Moscow had a passing accuracy of 81%, completing 405 passes out of 500 attempts. Inter Milan’s passing accuracy was slightly lower at 78%, completing 330 passes out of 425 attempts. CSKA’s ability to hold onto the ball was evident, but Inter’s compact structure made it difficult for the hosts to find gaps.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Inter Milan made 20 tackles compared to CSKA Moscow’s 15, indicating their defensive discipline and intent to disrupt CSKA’s play. Inter’s defense, led by Lucio and Walter Samuel, was particularly effective in nullifying CSKA’s attacking threats.
- Set Pieces:
- The only goal of the match came early, in the 6th minute, from a free-kick. Wesley Sneijder scored with a low shot that went under the jumping wall and into the bottom corner of the net, catching CSKA’s defense and goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev off guard. This early goal put Inter in a commanding position, forcing CSKA to chase the game.
- Individual Performances:
- Wesley Sneijder was the key player for Inter Milan, scoring the decisive goal and controlling the tempo of the game from midfield. Lucio and Walter Samuel were also crucial, leading a disciplined defensive effort that kept CSKA at bay. For CSKA Moscow, Keisuke Honda and Milos Krasić tried to create openings, but they were largely kept quiet by Inter’s organized defense.
- Tactical Overview:
- Inter Milan, under José Mourinho, employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on maintaining defensive solidity and hitting CSKA on the counter-attack. CSKA Moscow, managed by Leonid Slutsky, used a 4-2-3-1 formation as well, aiming to control the midfield and create chances through their creative players. However, Inter’s early goal and tactical discipline left CSKA struggling to find a way back into the tie.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, all for CSKA Moscow (Chidi Odiah 10′, Evgeni Aldonin 35′, Milos Krasić 59′). These fouls were mostly tactical, aimed at breaking up Inter’s play and preventing them from further extending their lead.
- Corners and Offsides:
- CSKA Moscow won 6 corners compared to Inter Milan’s 3, reflecting their territorial advantage as they pushed forward in search of an equalizer. However, Inter’s defense dealt well with these set-piece opportunities. Both teams were caught offside twice, as they attempted to stretch the defensive lines.
Summary
Inter Milan’s 1-0 victory over CSKA Moscow at the Luzhniki Stadium secured their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals with a 2-0 aggregate win. Wesley Sneijder’s early free-kick goal proved decisive, giving Inter an away goal and putting them in control of the tie.
CSKA Moscow tried to respond, holding more possession and pushing forward, but they struggled to break down Inter’s disciplined defense. The early goal allowed Inter to play the game on their terms, defending resolutely and hitting CSKA on the counter when possible. Lucio and Walter Samuel were particularly effective in keeping CSKA’s attackers at bay, while Sneijder’s creativity and calmness in midfield were key to managing the game.
The result meant that Inter Milan advanced to the Champions League semi-finals, where they would face Barcelona. This victory was another step in Inter’s journey to winning the Champions League that season, highlighting their tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and ability to manage key moments in high-stakes matches. For CSKA Moscow, the match marked the end of a commendable run in the competition, but they were ultimately outclassed by a more experienced and well-drilled Inter side.
