Inter have been drawn against Russian side CSKA Moscow in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. CSKA, one of Inter’s three group stage opponents in 2007/08, finished last season’s Russian Premier League campaign in fifth place with 52 points from 16 victories, 4 draws and 10 defeats. They won their opening fixture of this season’s domestic league campaign, beating Amkar Perm 1-0.
Moscow reached the quarter-finals by beating Sevilla 3-2 on aggregate 3-2. In the group stages they finished second in Group B behind Manchester United with 10 points from 3 wins, a draw and 2 defeats. CSKA’s top scorer in Europe this season is Milos Krasic with 4 goals.
Two things for Inter to overcome is that Moscow is at the beginning of their season, so their players will be fresher than Inter’s. Secondly, CSKA play on a synthetic pitch, which favours the less technical teams whereas the more talented ones have less control of the ball.
Past meetings with Inter
2007/08 Champions League (23/10/2007) CSKA Moscow 1-2 Inter (Jo 32, Crespo 55, Samuel 83).
2007/08 Champions League (07/11/2007) Inter 4-2 CSKA Moscow (Jo 23, Vagner Love 31, Ibrahimovic 32, 76, Cambiasso 34, 68).
European honours
• UEFA Cup: 2005
• European Super Cup: 2005
