Spartak spirit cheers Cherchesov
Friday, December 7, 2007
Article summary
FC Spartak Moskva have ensured Russian presence in Europe this spring and coach Stanislav Cherchesov said it was because his team "have learned to fight".
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FC Spartak Moskva are safely through to the UEFA Cup Round of 32 with one group stage game to go after last night's 1-0 win against FC Zürich – ensuring Russian representation in Europe in the spring.
Russian fortunes
While the national team are looking ahead to UEFA EURO 2008™, Russia have already lost PFC CSKA Moskva from the UEFA Champions League and FC Lokomotiv Moskva in the UEFA Cup, while FC Zenit St. Petersburg need results to go their way in Group A in a fortnight to keep their campaign alive. However Spartak, who exited the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round on penalties to Celtic FC, now have seven points in three Group E games and a win at eliminated Toulouse FC in a fortnight would confirm first place in the section.
'Learned to fight'
Yegor Titov's 57th-minute strike meant Spartak were the first team to take points of Zürich in this season’s competition on a cold night in Moscow and coach Stanislav Cherchesov was pleased. "Today we won mostly because of our character," he said. "Before the match, I told the lads they would have to be patient and indeed they were. That is why we won. We have learned to fight. We were not at 100 per cent today but still got the result."
Further task
However, even though the Russian domestic season is long over, Spartak's job in 2007 is not yet done wtith the trip to France to come. Titov explained: "The holidays are looming, but we still have to play for a win to finish in first place. Because then we will play a side that finished third in their UEFA Cup group. I would not want to finish second and play a team from the Champions League."
