CSKA Moscow vs Bayer Leverkusen - CSKA Moscow renew rivalries with Leverkusen

Posted Tuesday, November 22, 2016 by PA

CSKA Moscow midfielder Roman Eremenko received a two-year suspension for an anti-doping offence after the last clash with Bayer Leverkusen and the teams renew rivalries on Tuesday night.

The Champions League Group E tie is the first European clash for CSKA Moscow since Eremenko was banned by UEFA, European football's governing body, after he tested positive for cocaine following the September 14 clash between the sides.

Eremenko scored the equaliser as the Russians came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2.

It means the the group is finely poised ahead of the return contest.

Leverkusen have six points, second to Monaco, and can progress to the last 16 if they avoid defeat and Tottenham lose on the Cote d'Azur.

CSKA must win to stay in contention to advance to the Champions League last 16, but will be boosted by an end to their five-match winless run with victory at Arsenal Tula on Friday night.

Leverkusen had won their last three games prior to their loss to Bundesliga surprise package RB Leipzig, also on Friday.

But Leverkusen will be optimistic as CSKA have won only one of their last 10 Champions League home games.

Leverkusen chief executive Michael Schade said: "After the great 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium three weeks ago, we want to take another big step in the direction of the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday night.

"A win at the Russian champions CSKA Moscow leaves all options open - as predicted - in this balanced group where we could be in a final on December 7 at the BayArena with the chance of winning the group against AS Monaco."