On Tuesday, CSKA Moscow and Viktoria Plzen will face off for a chance to qualify for the Europa League knockout rounds.
Both teams are out of the contention for the round of 16 but have a chance to finish third in the group and head to Europe's minor tournament. CSKA Moscow won the first game between the two sides by the score of 3-2 at home; however, Plzen only needs one goal to tie the aggregate and ultimately clinch a spot on away goals. A victory or draw clinches a spot for Moscow while only a win will suffice for Plzen.
"I expect that CSKA will come out with the home result in mind and focus on watchful defence in a tactical lineup like they used against Bayern and Manchester City, relying on fast counterattacks," said Viktoria Plzen Coach Pavel Vrba, according to UEFA. "We have to avoid conceding the opening goal and pay attention to the exceptionally fast-footed CSKA players. This will be key to our success."
Plzen will have the benefit of home field where it managed to limit Bayern Munich to just one goal in a 1-0 loss.
"A tough match awaits. Plzeň presented themselves in a very good light and played very well in the first game against us, so we know it will not be easy," said CSKA manager Leonid Slutski, according to UEFA. "But our aim is to get a result that will take us into the Europa League. It is one of two prestigious European competitions and a priority for us. We are very motivated to get the right result."
Prediction: Moscow wins 1-0.
Start Time: 2:45 p.m. EST
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