CSKA demolish Deportivo in UEFA Cup

23 October, 2008, 20:00

CSKA Moscow are one of two Russian teams in the UEFA Cup group stage and they got their campaign roaring underway on Thursday night. CSKA handed a 3-0 defeat to Spain’s Deportivo La Coruna.

In 2005, Valery Gazzaev's men secured the title playing a type of attack-minded football that earned them plaudits far beyond their native Moscow.

Since then though, celebrations have been few and far between, as the club haven't even come close to a title in the last three years.

This time around though, the in-form CSKA enter Group H of the Cup as slight favourites, ahead of Feyenoord, Lech, Nancy and Deportivo.

“We've examined our opponents very well. They're a typical Spanish side, very disciplined and attentive in defence. We know we must keep our concentration and not waste any opportunities that arise. But I think essentially it's up to us – if we stick to our style, we should win it,” Gazzaev said prior to the match.

CSKA didn't make the best of starts in the Russian Premier League this year, but have improved dramatically. A six-game winning streak has left them as the only club left in the league which can still deny Rubin Kazan the championship – an aim which Gazzaev has set his sights on.

“For me personally the Premier League has always been the priority. Yes, of course, it's very prestigious to win a UEFA Cup title. But our local championship is what we should respect most and try to win,” he said.

The head coach recently announced this season would be his last at CSKA. But the former USSR international striker vowed it won't affect his club's performance in Europe.

“We're all professionals here. So it doesn't matter that I won't be able to continue with the club in spring even if we qualify for the play-offs. We should strive to succeed now no matter what,” Gazzaev said.