Real Madrid vs CSKA Moscow: Champions League holders suffer their biggest European home defeat
Real Madrid were booed off by the fans that opted to stay until the end
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.CSKA Moscow handed Real Madrid their worst ever European home loss — and got nothing in reward.
CSKA beat Madrid 3-0, their second straight win over the Champions League holders, but still finished in last place in their group and missed out on a Europa League place.
The Russian team finished behind Viktoria Plzen, who defeated Roma 2-1. CSKA need to better Plzen's result in the Czech Republic to finish third, with both teams already out of contention for the Champions League knockout stage.
Real Madrid rested most of its regular starters after already clinching the group win, but it still made for a memorable victory for the visitors at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium with goals from Fedor Chalov and Georgi Schennikov late in the first half, before Arnor Sigurdsson added another in the second.
Real Madrid left the field jeered by its fans, with many leaving after CSKA scored the third goal.
CSKA's 1-0 home win over Real Madrid in October was the team's only other group victory. The Spanish club was still coached by Julen Lopetegui at the time.
With the Club World Cup only a week away, coach Santiago Solari used several players who hadn't started much this season, including Isco and Marco Asensio.
Three players were making their Champions League debut, including young Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior, midfielder Federico Valverde and central defender Javier Sanchez. Karim Benzema and Marcelo were the only veterans in the starting lineup, with Toni Kroos, Raphael Varane, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale starting on the bench.
Madrid controlled the game early, with Vinicius Junior threatening down the left flank and Asensio making good runs on the right. The Brazilian nearly scored from inside the area midway through the first half, and Asensio struck the crossbar with a long-range shot a few minutes later.
CSKA was dangerous on counter-attacks and it took advantage of Madrid's vulnerability on defence to open the scoring with Chalov's well-placed left-footed shot into the far corner in the 37th minute.
Schennikov added to the lead six minutes later from close range after Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois partially saved a shot by Mario Fernandes inside the area. Chalov helped set up the goal with a back-heel pass to Fernandes.
Bale replaced Benzema at half-time and Kroos entered the match in the 58th, but they were not able help Madrid improve.
Sigurdsson sealed CSKA's victory with a low shot from inside the area in the 73rd.
Madrid host Rayo Vallecano on Saturday before travelling to the United Arab Emirates for its debut in FIFA's Club World Cup on 19 December. (AP)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments