CSKA Moscow 1-1 Real Madrid
February 21, 2012
Spanish league leaders Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw in Moscow on Tuesday evening, as hosts CSKA Moscow nabbed an equalizer deep into stoppage time at the end of the second half.
CSKA Moscow debutant Pontus Wernbloom, a Swedish midfielder purchased from AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, scored the equalizer in a match dominated by the heavily-favored Spaniards.
Real Madrid's superstar forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, put the visitors in front after about half an hour's play but his team proceeded to squander a host of chances to extend their lead. German international midfielders Mesut Özil and Sami Khedira were both in the Real Madrid starting line-up.
Spanish La Liga leaders Real are still considered favorites to secure a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals, despite Tuesday's draw. After playing on an artificial pitch in sub-zero temperatures in the Russian capital, the 'Galacticos' will return to more familiar territory for the return leg, when they welcome last year's Russian Premier League runners-up to the historic Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 14.
Italian Serie A giants Napoli secured a 3-1 win against visitors Chelsea in Tuesday's later game. Ezequiel Lavezzi scored twice for Napoli after Juan Mata put Chelsea ahead in the 27th minute. Lavezzi leveled in the 38th minute before Edison Cavani put them ahead in first-half stoppage. The Uruguayan then set up Lavezzi's second in the 65th minute.
Napoli will take that advantage back to Stamford Bridge in London for the return fixture, also on March 14.
msh, ccp/cmk (AFP, Reuters)