CSKA Moscow vs Roma preview - Roma set sights on knock-out stages
Posted Monday, November 24, 2014 by PA
Rudi Garcia is targeting the victory at CSKA Moscow that would put Roma within touching distance of the Champions League knock-out rounds.
The Giallorossi are tied for second place with CSKA after both clubs took four points from their opening four Group E games, meaning the successful side at the Arena Khimki on Tuesday will be almost guaranteed to progress.
And, furthermore, Roma's French coach Garcia believes the fact his men beat the Russians 5-1 in Rome should give the visitors a clear psychological edge.
He told a pre-match press conference: "We're obviously focused on tomorrow's game and not on the four we've already played.
"We have our destiny in our own hands tomorrow and an advantage: the result from the first game.
"We'll do everything we can to beat CSKA although we know it will be tough."
A draw in the Russian capital could inject some late drama into the group.
Should CSKA and Roma share the points, Manchester City would join them both on five points with a home triumph over Bayern Munich, setting up an intriguing final round of games in two weeks' time.
Garcia is suitably wary of such a scenario arising and hopes his players can do enough to keep City at bay.
"After the draw (for the group stages) no one thought we'd go into the fifth game with a chance of going through," the former Lille boss added.
"Having a chance to qualify with tomorrow's game means we have had our say and we need to continue to do so."
Federico Balzaretti, Leandro Castan, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Maicon remain sidelined through injury and Garcia is frustrated by the absence of the latter - his experienced Brazilian full-back who scored in the reverse fixture.
"Maicon is not in a condition to play tomorrow. He's not managed to train with the team," he added.
"But we will need a right-back: either Michele Somma, (Alessandro) Florenzi or someone else I've got up my sleeve."
Once again CSKA must play European football behind closed doors as they complete the second half of a two-match supporter ban issued following incidents of racist behaviour and crowd trouble.
The Russian champions managed to hold City to a 2-2 draw despite the fact only a small number of home fans were on hand to cheer for their team.
Garcia added of the situation: "Luckily we rarely play behind closed doors. It's not real football when there aren't fans in the stadium."
CSKA coach Leonid Slutsky, meanwhile, has concerns over midfielders Pontus Wernbloom and Bibras Natkho.
"We have problems in defensive midfield and we are looking to solve this," he said.
"The loss of Natkho is a blow, and tonight we will know if Pontus Wernbloom will be able to play."
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