CSKA Moscow are the first Russian side to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The club — whose origins lie with the Soviet Red Army — face Inter today in the quarter-finals.
April 14, 1923 — in the early days of the Soviet Union — is the official foundation date of the sporting society of the Red Army.
However, some of the most passionate fans trace the roots of the club back to 1901, when Moscow Ski Lovers Society regulations were ratified by the Russian imperial interior minister.
PHOTO: AFP
The Soviet soccer league inaugural championship was held in 1936 but the Red Army side failed to clinch any serious success before World War II and their title of 1935 Moscow champions remained the club’s only success before 1945, when they won their first Soviet Cup.
But in the post-war years CSKA won seven Soviet titles, including the last one in 1991.
In the post-Soviet era CSKA have won three Russian titles — in 2003, 2005 and 2006.
In 2005 CSKA became the first Russian side to win a European tournament, clinching the UEFA Cup following a 3-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in the final.
Though the club still reveres its army traditions, CSKA and the Russian Army parted ways after the fall of the Soviet Union and Ministry of Defense gives no more financial support to the club.
CSKA are currently sponsored by oil company Bashneft, the state air company Aeroflot, Rusbank, sportswear manufacturers Reebok and some other companies.
This support allowed the club to remain in the list of the domestic league’s wealthiest clubs with an annual budget that varies from US$50 million to US$65 million.
The serious financial base allowed the club to collect a set of skilled players and rising talents in their line-up.
CSKA boast some of the country’s best defenders in their back line, which protects Russian international goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev.
Sergei Ignashevich and Berezutsky twin brothers Alexei and Vasily form the defensive backbone for both CSKA and the Russian national team.
Coach Leonid Slutsky has combined a set of talented performers in midfield, making the area the strongest and most creative part of his team.
Serbian winger Milos Krasic and the side’s rookie Keisuke Honda of Japan, a precise free-kick expert, are backed by Russian international midfielders Yevgeny Aldonin and Alan Dzagoev along with Chilean star Mark Gonzalez.
Czech international striker Tomas Necid spearheads the club’s attack together with Brazilian forward Guilherme, who has, however, still to find his top form this season.
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