Vasily Berezutsky’s equalizer deep in injury time earned CSKA Moscow an unlikely 1-1 draw with AS Roma on Tuesday after Francesco Totti enhanced his standing as the Champions League’s oldest goalscorer.
Totti, who claimed the scoring record against Manchester City in September, put Roma in front in the 43rd minute at the age of 38 years, one month and 29 days.
That appeared to be enough to secure Roma the win in freezing conditions until Berezutsky’s cross evaded the Italian club’s defense and slotted into the far corner in the 93rd minute.
The stalemate in front of an eerily empty Khimki Arena, as CSKA served a spectator ban, left Roma and the Muscovites on five points apiece, with the visitors occupying second on their head-to-head record.
Roma still have their knockout stage destiny in their own hands as a win against Manchester City in a fortnight will see them through.
“We feel a slight disappointment with the result,” Roma coach Rudi Garcia said. “The match was almost won, but the last-minute goal spoiled the impression about the game, but our fate is still in our hands, as victory over City would guarantee us a place in the playoffs.”
Roma, who had seen off CSKA 5-1 on the Russian champions’ visit to Italy, began confidently, dominating possession.
However, it was the Red Army side who created the first real chance when Israeli playmaker Bebras Natcho lobbed the ball into the box to Alan Dzagoev, who failed to redirect it into the net from 12m out.
Totti broke the deadlock with a powerful 18m free-kick into the top left-hand corner past the outstretched hands of CSKA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev two minutes from the break.
Roma’s Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan had a chance to double his side’s lead just before the hour mark as he picked up the ball and worked his way into the area, but his close-range shot went just centimeters past the far-left post.
CSKA then stunned Roma in the third minute of stoppage time as Berezutsky beat De Sanctis with a left-handed cross that flew through traffic and into the far corner.
“We failed to show out best football tonight, but I think that the game was even and the draw looks a fair outcome,” Berezutsky said. “The draw is an appropriate result, as it gives us the possibility to advance.”
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