Martial makes amends to earn draw at CSKA
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Article summary
CSKA Moskva 1-1 Manchester United
Anthony Martial was involved in both goals in Moscow, ultimately rescuing a Group B point for the English team with a second-half header.
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- Seydou Doumbia registers third goal in as many Group B outings
- CSKA miss second straight penalty in this competition – Doumbia scores rebound
- Anthony Martial makes amends for giving away spot kick with 65th-minute equaliser
- Igor Akinfeev concedes for 34th consecutive UEFA Champions League game
- The sides meet again at Old Trafford on 3 November
Manchester United came from behind to hold CSKA Moskva to a 1-1 UEFA Champions League Group B draw in the Russian capital.
Anthony Martial was involved in both goals, conceding the 15th-minute penalty which, though initially saved by David de Gea, resulted in a rebound converted by the in-form Seydou Doumbia. The France striker compensated for that with the equaliser 20 minutes into the second half, and the eventual draw keeps both teams within two points of group leaders Wolfsburg.
The visitors started well but fell behind after a handball by Martial. De Gea produced a magnificent save to push Roman Eremenko's spot kick onto his right-hand post; unluckily for the goalkeeper, the ball ricocheted off his leg and straight into the path of Doumbia who slotted into an empty net for his third UEFA Champions League goal in as many matches.
The Red Devils were rocked and Leonid Slutski's team could have made it 2-0. Embarking on a driving run from halfway, the impressive Ahmed Musa spotted De Gea off his line and his ensuing chip forced the Spanish international into an acrobatic stop which turned the ball over the crossbar.
CSKA deservedly went into the half-time break in front and United had to wait until nearly the hour mark to trouble Igor Akinfeev. A good cross from the right by Ander Herrera found Wayne Rooney in space, but his header was too close to the home custodian.
Even so, Louis van Gaal's side were growing in confidence and they equalised on 65 minutes. Martial made up for the penalty as he got on the end of Antonio Valencia's right-wing cross to send a glancing header in off post.
Key player: Anthony Martial
Martial showed great composure to get his side back on level terms and secure a valuable point.
Is there a way back?
United will certainly be the happier of the teams given they entertain CSKA at home in two weeks' time. The Army Men, by contrast, may be ruing not making more a good first-half performance.