3 reasons why Real Madrid lost to CSKA Moscow

#2 Resolute CSKA defence

For the first time this season, CSKA coach Viktor Goncharenko deployed four-man backline with Nababkin, Chernov, Becao and Mario Fernandes. Jaka Bijol and Ilzat Akhmetov played as defensive midfielders. That created a solid defensive line-up which Real Madrid failed to break in the game.

Real had 26 shots, of which only three were on target which proves how good CSKA players were on the night. Real hit the woodwork three times – two off the post from Casemiro and Mariano, and Benzema’s first-half head hit the crossbar.

CSKA supporters should be grateful to their captain Akinfeev. Despite the late red card to Akinfeev, he was simply superb. He saved two great shots, one each from Modric and Asensio.