CSKA Moskva's Akinfeev recalls United classic
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
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With CSKA Moskva hosting Manchester United this week, Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev reflects on their last meeting – a dramatic 3-3 draw in November 2009.
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Igor Akinfeev is preparing to face Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since enduring a "horrible" night at Old Trafford in November 2009.
With CSKA Moskva leading 3-1 with six minutes remaining, goalkeeper Akinfeev – who hitherto had enjoyed an impressive evening – was beaten by a late Paul Scholes header and Georgi Shchennikov's own goal as the Army Men were denied a famous win.
CSKA host Louis van Gaal's men on Wednesday and the 29-year-old Russia No1 is hoping for a better ending to the first of back-to-back Group B matches against United. "I have some horrible memories, because they managed to draw from 3-1 down and they created a lot of chances," Akinfeev told UEFA.com.
"I am not trying to diminish Manchester United's success in any way, but they had a very strong team at that point. Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney were there, Edwin van der Sar was the goalkeeper, a lot of stars, so maybe they got scared by the fact they were losing at Old Trafford."
Hear more from Akinfeev by watching the video above.
