CSKA Moscow vs Wolfsburg - CSKA Moscow boss Leonid Slutsky wary of Wolfsburg

Posted Wednesday, November 25, 2015 by PA

CSKA Moscow must beat one of the best teams in the Bundesliga if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League, according to their coach Leonid Slutsky.

The Russians welcome Wolfsburg to the Arena Khimki on Wednesday and Slutsky believes the Wolves can be counted in the same category as Bayern Munich.

"We've studied them and it's not going to be easy," he said at a press conference. "They are one of the best teams in Germany."

Recent results support Slutsky's thesis, with the Wolves dismantling Werder Bremen 6-0 at the weekend.

That allowed them to warm up in style for a game they are equally keen to win, to boost their own qualification hopes ahead of the visit of Manchester United to the VW-Arena for their final group game in December.

"We've got every chance and we know now's when it matters and we have to get the points," said Andre Schurrle to Spiegel TV.

"We know how tight it is and it's going to be hard to go away to Moscow first, but we've got to play both our remaining games well. We can get something in Moscow then we can wrap things up at home.

"They've got some good players - some quick players up front, and they are stronger at home, but we've got to play our own game and then it's possible to get something."

Defeat would not end Wolfsburg's hopes of qualifying, but CSKA would be out of the running for a top-two finish if they were to lose to the Wolves for the second time this season, after a 1-0 defeat in Germany.

That situation could play into Wolfsburg's hands, according to their coach Dieter Hecking.

"The pressure is a bit on Moscow as they have to win if they want to have a realistic chance," he said.

"That could boost our chances of finding more room. They like to play on the counter-attack and if they do that, that could leave gaps for us to exploit."

Seydou Doumbia, who has scored six times in the Champions League this season, including qualifying, is expected to be passed fit to play for CSKA while Luiz Gustavo is the main doubt for the guests.