The Champions League group stage starts next week and Russian clubs Zenit and CSKA will both be hoping to get off to good starts. Out of the two, CSKA definitely have the hardest group as they have been drawn alongside German champions Bayern Munich, English champions Manchester City and Italian side Roma. CSKA will have a tough time getting into the round of 16, but you can be sure that they will give it their best shot.
As for Zenit, they have been drawn in a group where anything can happen. Zenit are alongside Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen and Benfica and all these teams will think they have what it takes to advance to the round of 16, so expect this group to be a thriller!
Both CSKA Moscow and Zenit have started the Russian Premier League in good form. Zenit are unbeaten in the league so far this season winning all their games, while CSKA’s new signings Bibras Natkho and Roman Eremenko have been in fine form and CSKA will be hoping they can continue that in the Champions League.
Zenit and CSKA have strong teams and they were able to improve them during the summer transfer window. Zenit have strengthened their defence and midfield and hope that this will help them stop conceding unnecessary goals. As for the Army Men, they have beefed up their midfield and attack and are certainly delighted that, unlike last season, Doumbia is fit to play from the start of the campaign.
CSKA kick things off against Roma in Rome and will be hoping to take all three points back to Moscow with them. Zenit play their first game against Benfica in Portugal. Zenit will also be looking to take all three points back home with them.
Dynamo Moscow and FC Krasnodar will represent Russia in the Europa League. FC Krasnodar debuted very well in the Europa League, making it to the group stage by beating Real Sociedad. They now get to play English side Everton, German side Wolfsburg and French side LOSC in Group H. This is going to be a challenge for Oleg Kononov’s men, but they have shown us that they have what it takes against big clubs.
Dynamo Moscow were drawn alongside Dutch club PSV, Greek club Panathinaikos and Portuguese club Estoril in Group E. Dynamo were very busy in the transfer window and their new signings will need to be on form and focused if they want to progress from the group. As a whole, however, Dynamo Moscow may not be too focused on the Europa League this season as they are aiming to challenge for the league title and get into the Champions League next season.
The Russian Premier League has had a wonderful start, with loads of intense games and stunning goals. Let’s hope the Russian clubs can continue their fine performances when they are on show to the whole world.
Tuesday: Benfica vs. Zenit, Estadio da Luz, 10:45 pm Moscow Time
Wednesday: Roma vs. CSKA, Stadio Olimpico, 10:45 pm Moscow Time
Thursday: Panathinaikos vs. Dynamo, Apostolos Nikolaidis, 9:00 pm Moscow Time
LOSC vs. Krasnodar, Grand Stade Lille Metropole, 11:05 pm Moscow Time
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Follow Andrew MacIver on Twitter: @AndrewRCFC97
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