Schicchi 1 - 1 CSKA (381663224)

Clear skies welcomed the 48214 spectators who had made their way to Nuevo Gazometro - Schicchidrome. Dorlan Frike was the appointed referee with assistance provided by David Huygen and Saleem Al-Gobati. Schicchi had chosen a strategic 3-5-2 formation. The following players took the field: Rusu - Hascoët, Hartley, Brogna - Maggiore, Calamandrei, Almog, Werkhoven, Aamodt - Beksultanov, Zayas Manrique.

CSKA tactics involved an interesting 4-4-2 combination. Starters: Kudelić - Studler, Łakomy, Savunur, Abbema - Ptitsin, Ionascu, Johansson, Gabmayer - Weissensteiner, Wikstrøm.

The wings were the focus of most of Schicchi's attacks today. CSKA used their skill at pressing to cut off the attack angles of their opponents all over the field. Schicchi were very close to putting themselves one up after 2 minutes as F. Calamandrei got through on the left, but failing in concentration, he shot the ball wide. Schicchi were determined to attack on the wing and their central attempts were constantly abandoned in favour of the wings. Schicchi had a good opportunity to take the lead as J. Zayas Manrique came up the left side, but he struck the ball weakly and it went straight into the arms of V. Kudelić. After a fine move down the middle J. Zayas Manrique nearly gave the home side a goal after 28 minutes. However the finishing shot went just wide. After 29 minutes, a well-worked counterattack by CSKA on the right presented an easy opportunity in front of the goal that was duly converted by H. Wikstrøm to make it 0 - 1. The pressing tactics used by CSKA were successful as the ball remained close to the half way line at all times. CSKA's talent at pressing frustrated the spectators as the game became a dire midfield struggle. The teams went for the halftime break at 0 - 1. Schicchi enjoyed most of the ball, as they maintained 70 percent of possession.

CSKA's ability to press all over the field frequently paid dividends. 72 minutes in, and Schicchi were able to score the equalising goal to make it 1 - 1 when K. Aamodt picked up a pass coming in from the right and chipped it past the away team's keeper. As the 75 minute mark approached, the CSKA coach decided it was time for a substitution. B. Johansson reluctantly made way for L. Jovanović on the pitch. Slack defending gave Schicchi a chance to take the lead with 76 minutes played, but F. Calamandrei's cross from the left flank was fumbled in front of the goal and easily dealt with by the opposition. Schicchi's F. Calamandrei got himself booked for a foul. 81 minutes into the game, CSKA wanted to bring some new energy to their game. W. Łakomy gave A. Gunnarsson a quick hug as he left the field. With 82 minutes played A. Maggiore almost gave the home side the lead with an unexpected free kick set up, but the visitors' V. Kudelić was onto it, grabbing the would be breakthrough ball. Possession in this half belonged to Schicchi, who controlled the ball 68 percent of the time.

The most dominating Schicchi player was without a doubt K. Beksultanov. P. Rusu on the other hand, had a terrible day. CSKA's top performer was clearly H. Wikstrøm. On the other hand, A. Gunnarsson's play was disheartening. The match ends 1 - 1.