After Lech Poznań, looking ahead to PSV

Excuse my pun but without a point earned prior to the Lech Poznań, their was little point of yesterdays match in consideration of the weekend's clash against PSV. However with the basic notion of playing for pride at De Kuip, Feyenoord put up a strong effort but came up short losing 1-0 to Lech Poznań. The match started tentative with both sides locking up in the midfield. Without a prior attempt on Henk Timmer's goal, the Polish side scored the lone goal of the match twenty-seven minutes in a Semir Stilić drew the ball into the center of the box where Ivan Djurdjević re-directed the ball in. With the goal Gertjan Verbeek tactics opened up in search of the equalizer and opportunities, while still not a open flood-gate of chances, were more frequent. However it was not till the final third of the match that Feyenoord looked to be in the match. with a beautiful play between Georginio Wijnaldum and Roy Makaay being passed to Luigi Bruins but his finish fell short and was easily saved. With twenty-six minutes remaining it was obvious that Gertjan Verbeek's focus is on the weekend as Leroy Fer and Georgino Wijnaldum were taken off with two eighteen year-old up and coming players Michal Janota and Kermit Erasmus introduced. That said, although Feyenoord put forth a good effort in the closing stages they were not able to level the match and it ended in a 1-0 loss. Of the positive sides you can take from this match is the commitment to younger developing players and while it is difficult to see through the cloudy days of losses, benefits will be reaped from this in the future.

CSKA Moscow triumphs over hearty Lech Poznań

CSKA Moscow advances to the next round on the UEFA Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over visiting Polish giant Lech Poznań. The Polish side showed tremendous resolve in fighting back after falling 2-0 but could not overcome Valery Gazzaev's CSKA, which is looking more and more like a team of destiny.

In their final match of the year in-front of their faithful supporters at Luzhniki, CSKA displayed a passion for the attack all-the-while holding strong to rock-solid defending. Just past the half-hour mark, teen sensation Alan Dzagoev opened the scoring off a perfect feed from Vágner Love. Russian international Yuri Zhirkov continued his stunning year as he volleyed in Anton Grigoryev's pass in added-time to double the margin. After the break Franciszek Smuda's side dug-in and fought back into the match with Bosnia and Herzegovina international Semir Štilić perfect free-kick past Igor Akinfeev six minutes past the hour mark to bring the match within one. The visitors continued to apply pressure but could not break through again and CSKA took the 2-1 victory.

Lech Poznań v CSKA Moscow UEFA Cup

Poland's Lech Poznań travel to Luzhniki Stadium to face CSKA Moscow in a UEFA Cup later today that could see Koni's hopes for advancing to the next stage secured.

After guaranteeing a Champions League spot for next season Valery Gazzaev's forces are gearing up for a major run at continuing Russia's hold on the UEFA Cup. CSKA presently sits at the top of Group H after easily dispatching Feyenoord and Deportivo de La Coruña in prior matches, notable for Vágner Love offensive flourish and the typical hard-line defensive stance. Earlier this month Lech Poznań played Ligue 1 Nancy Lorraine to a peculiar 2-2 draw that featured a number of defending errors and is in desperate need of points if they are to advance.

This match will be impacted by the chill of late autumn in Moscow with temperatures slightly above freezing. The pitch at Luzhniki, which has seen extensive play on it this fall is in fine condition and should not be an issue. Vágner Love certainly has made a point to dispel the notion that Brazilian Footballers have problems in cold weather conditions and has been on fire of late. While they lost their final match of the year against now-relegated Shinnik Yaroslav, the match had no impact upon standings and as Russian international Aleksei Berezutskiy stated "we were not motivated" and "we could not forget that this match did not decide anything."

While a draw will see Koni through, Valery Gazzaev wants to win their group without a blemish and will be ruthless against the Polish side. CSKA is well rested and given that this the final match of the year and the last time they play before their legion of fans, a resounding victory is the only acceptable outcome.

Enjoy the match and I will report on it as it concludes. For those looking for updates during the match, please comment.