Good evening everyone. It's the final night of the
Champions League group stages, and there are still plenty of questions that need to be answered.
Bayern Munich host
CSKA Moscow at the Allianz Arena this evening. The German champions are through, but can CSKA pull off an upset by joining them in the last 16?
That dramatic 3-2 defeat to Manchester City two weeks ago made no difference to Bayern Munich, who have already secured top spot in Group E. For once, the spotlight is not on Pep Guardiola's side. CSKA, City and Roma all have a chance of reaching the last 16 this evening, but it's perhaps the Russian team which faces the biggest challenge on matchday six.
CSKA cannot afford to pay any attention to what is happening between Roma and Man City in the Italian capital tonight.
Leonid Slutsky's side simply have to beat Bayern to have any chance of going through, but there is a scenario where the visitors could record an unlikely win and still go out of the competition.
What do CSKA need to do tonight? Below, we've taken a look at what results will see CSKA through on a night when three sides start on five points.
.CSKA need to beat Bayern, and hope Roma do not beat City to qualify.
. If CSKA and City record victories, the Russians will go through thanks to a superior head-to-head record.
. A draw or loss against Bayern will send CSKA out of the competition.
. CSKA, City and Roma could all still reach the Europa League if they fail to qualify for the last 16.
When these two sides met in Moscow on matchday two,
Thomas Muller scored the winner from the spot in a 1-0 victory for Bayern Munich. As the previous statistic proved, CSKA haven't enjoyed much luck against the German champions. Records are there to be broken!
BAYERN: Neuer, Dante, Ribery, Gaudino, Boateng, Bernat, Gotze, Rode, Muller, Schweinsteiger, Hojbjerg
SUBS: Zingerle, Alonso, Lewandowski, Robben, Rafinha, Kurt, Weiser
Is it possible for Guardiola to field a weakened side? The Spaniard makes changes, but the team still looks very strong. Bastin Schweinsteiger continues his bid to reach full fitness by starting in midfield, while Thomas Muller,
Franck Ribery and
Mario Gotze lead the attack for the hosts. Arjen Robben, Xabi Alonso and Robert Lewandowski are all on the bench.
CSKA: Akinfeev, Fernandes, Ignashevich, V. Berezutskiy, Nababkin, Wernbloom, Natcho, Musa, Eremenko, Dzagoev, Doumbia
SUBS: Chepchugov, Tosic, Efremov, Cauna, Milanov, Vitinho, Chernov
Slutsky knows his side will have to find the right balance as they search for a surprise win, but he has trusted his attacking players by naming Seydou Doumbia, Ahmed Musa and Alan Dzagoev in the starting lineup. There's no room for Zoran Tosic or Vitinho, who are both on the bench.
We may be looking at two of the stars of the future at the Allianz Arena tonight. Pierre Hojbjerg and Gianluca Gaudino both have big reputations, and Guardiola will be hoping that the teenage duo can give us a glimpse of what is to come in their respective careers. This is Gaudino's first appearance in the competition, while Hojbjerg has played just twice in the Champions League
STAT: CSKA supporters won't enjoy these numbers. Igor Akinfeev starts in goal for the visitors tonight, and he faces the unenviable task of attempting to keep out the hosts. The 28-year-old has conceded at least one goal in each of his last 26 appearances in the Champions League. His last clean sheet in the competition came in a goalless draw with Arsenal in 2006.
Slutsky refused to get ahead of himself in yesterday's pre-match press conference, but it's fair to say that the experienced coach is quietly optimistic.
"Bayern are a strong team and clear favourites. Playing at home is to their advantage, although we will have our chances and we will see what happens," the CSKA boss told reporters. "All my players know what they are capable of and they know what is waiting for them tomorrow."
Guardiola explained his reasons for rotating his players in his press conference. With top spot secured, it's hard to argue with his decision to focus on the Bundesliga ahead of the winter break, but Man City and Roma fans will be hoping the hosts do not produce a below-par display.
"Our fans deserve to see a good match tomorrow, but we have very important games coming up in the Bundesliga and we have to keep this in mind too," Guardiola told reporters.
"Normally CSKA are quite defensive. We have to put a lot of pressure on their players – who are very quick – right from the beginning."
If you want to keep up to date with the action from
Roma vs. Man City you can, but I'll make sure to give you news of any goals in the other Group E game when they arrive. Click on any fixture in the live scores box to follow text coverage.
PREDICTION: We're now just 10 minutes away from kickoff, so it's time for a prediction. Bayern have made a number of changes, which should give CSKA a boost, but I think the luxury of playing without pressure could suit the hosts. CSKA will produce a big challenge, but may just fall short. 3-1 to Bayern.
The players are out on the pitch at the Allianz Arena. Just the Champions League anthem, handhsakes and coin toss to get out of the way.
Bayern will get the game underway. Schweinsteiger captains the side this evening on his return to the starting lineup.
It's an energetic start from CSKA both on and off the ball but Bayern, who have started with four at the back, are in control early on.
Bayern get forward for the first time and CSKA give too much room to allow Gotze to pick out Muller, whose powerful cross is a yard away from finding Schweinsteiger.
Bayern win a free kick in a good position on the left wing, but Ribery's delivery is far too strong, which allows Akinfeev to collect.
CHANCE! Big opportunity for CSKA as Eeremenko curls a brilliant cross onto the head of Doumbia, who heads just wide of the post. Will the visitors end up regretting that miss?
CSKA are being pushed back as Bayern begin to dominate possession further up the pitch. The visitors will need to defend very well tonight, but they've already missed the chance to put the pressure on Bayern.
Doumbia is beginning to look a very isolated in attack. His pace can cause problems for Bayern on the counter, but CSKA have not been able to clear the ball into his direction early on. They'll need to get more players close to him.
Akinfeev makes a fine save to block Ribery's powerful effort, but an offside flag prevents any Bayern forward from latching onto the rebound. Guardiola's side are in complete control of the game.
CSKA are really struggling to pick up Bayern's roaming attackers. Gotze exchanges passes with bot Ribery and Muller before lofting the ball to the back post, where Gaudino's poor touch brings a promising move to a disappointing end.
Ribery does well to cut in from the left before finding Boateng, who uses the space on offer 30 yards from goal to strike a wild effort over the crossbar. CSKA are struggling to get a kick at the moment.
PENALTY! Awful from Natcho. Bayern are gifted a penalty when the CSKA midfielder trips Ribery after a clever turn from the French winger. Muller will take the penalty.
GOAL! BAYERN 1-0 CSKA (MULLER)
Just like he did on matchday two, Muller beats Akinfeev from the penalty spot to score his 10th goal of the season. It was always going to be difficult for CSKA tonight, but they need to do something very special to qualify from this position.
It's looking like a training exercise at the Allianz Arena. Bayern are knocking the ball around with apparent ease as CSKA stand off in an attempt to limit the space on offer in the danger zone. I'm afraid this tactic simply isn't working.
Ignashevich bravely gets in the way of a powerful volley from Gotze, but CSKA are still unable to relieve the pressure as Bayern recycle the ball once again.
SAVE! Doumbia misses another chance. The Ivorian manages to skip past four or five challenges from the Bayern defence before bursting into the box, but Neuer is off his line quickly to make a brilliant stop and keep his side ahead.
Ribery's movement is causing a lot of problems for the visitors. The Frenchman is popping up all over the pitch to link with his teammates, and CSKA may be better off putting one player on him.
YELLOW CARD! Natcho appears to still be complaining about the penalty decision, but I'm not really sure why. Portuguese Olegário Benquerença has had enough and decides to show him the yellow card.
CSKA have only really had the ball in the final third of the pitch twice, and both moves have ended with Doumbia missing a great chance. They might not get another opportunity. Dante and Boateng are almost playing as holding midfielders now as the hosts control the tempo.
Neuer strolls out of his box to help Bayern keep possession when CSKA apply some pressure. It all looks to easy for the German goalkeeper at times. Doumbia is starting to drop deeper to get involved, probably due to frustration at being left alone further up the pitch.
Bayern are ahead and have dominated possession from the first whistle, but surprisingly, CSKA have created the best two chances. Akinfeev has been asked to do very little in the first half as Boateng fails to deliver a cross after sprinting forward to get involved in an attack.
Bayern get their wires crossed in the box. Muller and Gotze do brilliantly to create space, but the former's attempt to pull the ball back for Ribery is off target as the Frenchman darts into the six-yard box. CSKA breathe a sigh of relief.
CSKA move forward for an extended spell to win a corner. Eremenko meets the ball at the near post, but his optimistic header sails wide of the post before Bayern get back onto the front foot.
SAVE! Too many CSKA players come forward to meet Ribery, who uses the space in behind to fire a pass into Schweinsteiger. The Bayern skipper unleashes a powerful effort, but Akinfeev comfortably flicks the ball over the crossbar. Gotze's dangerous corner is then flicked on by Muller, but no one takes a risk at the back post.
CSKA launch a fast counter attack with Musa and Doumbia, but both players slow the move with poor passes. Bayern eventually recover after gifting a chance to the visitors with a sloppy short corner. Guardiola does not look impressed.
Bayern are finishing the first half strongly, but they fall at the final hurdle again when Muller miscues hiss cross from a dangerous position. CSKA are clinging onto their slim hopes.
HALF TIME: BAYERN 1-0 CSKA
Bayern have been the better side, but CSKA should at least be level after Doumbia wasted two great chances to beat Neuer. In Group E's other game, it is goalless between Roma and Manchester City. Not much has changed, but there is plenty more drama to come.
It's been a strange evening at the Allianz Arena. As you'd expect, Bayern have been dominant, but they've really struggled to turn possession into clear chances since taking the lead through Muller's penalty. That should give CSKA confidence. However, the more the visitors push for a way back into the game, the more vulnerable they will become at the back.
BENCH WATCH: Emerenko has struggled to get involved in the game further up the pitch, so it wouldn't be a big surprise to see Slutsky turn to Tosic in the second half. On his best night, the Serbian will cause problems for defenders with his tricky running. Bayern have the likes of Lewandowski, Alonso and Robben in reserve, but Guardiola may not want to risk his stars.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Guardiola is the last person to follow his players out of the tunnel. The Spaniard has made yours truly look a fool by sending on Lewandowski and Robben to replace Muller and Ribery. That's not a bad double change. CSKA will get the game back underway.
Robben displays his quality immediately by evading a couple of challenges before delivering an inviting cross which misses Lewandowski by a yard in the box.
SHOT! Bayern continue to dominate possession, and the hosts work the ball out wide to Rode. The midfielder, who is playing at right-back this evening, miscues his shot, but he's only a yard away from the bottom corner.
It's fair to say the Bayern supporters are delighted to have Schweinsteiger back. The midfielder fails in his attempt to keep the ball in on the wing, but the home fans are more than happy to applaud the effort. What a boost it is to have him back in the side.
SAVE! Akinfeev looks far from comfortable when he palms away a powerful strike from Lewandowski. The CSKA goalkeeper is able to collect moments later when Robben heads at goal after finding space at the back post.
There's a few gasps when Schweinsteiger goes down in the corner of the pitch, but it looks like the midfielder will be fine to continue. CSKA are starting to see a little bit more of the ball. However, they are struggling to make progress.
CSKA are making the tackle when they need to, but Slutsky needs to see his side get onto the front foot sooner rather than later. Guardiola does not look like a man whose side are already through. He continues to scream orders at his players from the touchline.
SAVE! Robben is just too quick for the CSKA defence as he sprints into the box before seeing Akinfeev parry his powerful shot. Gotze almost latches onto the rebound, but Berezutskiy makes a crucial challenge on the World Cup winner.
UPDATE: It's been a rough night for CSKA fans, and the City celebrations are starting in Rome. Samir Nasri has just scored to give the Premier League champions a 1-0 lead over Roma. As it stands, City will join Bayern in the next round.
Gotze loses his balance in the penalty area after dodging a couple of challenges. Bayern are playing within themselves still, but it's difficult to criticise as they continue to dominate the game.
Robben frustrates his teammates by powering a speculative effort straight at a CSKA defender. The visitors are holding firm, but they're running out of time.
SUBSTITUTION: Time for a change. Natcho comes off as Slutsky decides to take a risk by sending on the attack-minded Tosic. There will be less protection for the defence, but it's all about goals from here for the visitors.
YELLOW CARD! Dante is furious, but it's a sloppy tackle from the Brazilian as he dives in to bring down Dzagoev in the centre circle.
Bayern come agonisingly close to scoring a beautiful goal. Schweinsteiger leaves a couple of CSKA defenders on the floor with some brilliant skill on the edge of the box, before chipping a ball into the path of Gotze, who is just offside when he receives the pass.
CHANCE! It's just not been CSKA's night. The Nigerian sprints clear on the left to find space in the box, but he can only slice wide of the post from a great position. Dzagoev then pick up a yellow card for late challenge on Gotze.
SAVE! Stunning from Robben as the Dutchman takes on four CSKA defenders with a tricky run into the box, before seeing his low effort strike the foot of Akinfeev. That would have been a brilliant goal.
SUBSTITUTION: Gaudino's Champions League debut comes to an end as Mitchell Weiser comes on for just his second appearance in the competition.
CHANCE! Weiser and Robben carve out an opening on the right wing as the latter crosses for Lewanowski, whose header is blocked in the six-yard box by Ignashevich. CSKA react well to block Gotze's effort moments later, before clearing the corner which follows.
Lewandowski tries his luck again, this time from the edge of the box, but Akinfeev reacts well to make a routine save low to his left.
Dreadful from Dzagoev as he wastes a free kick by lofting the ball out of play from a good position. It's not been a good night for the attacking midfielder.
SHOT! Doumbia shrugs off Rode before sliding the ball into the path of Tosic, who curls just over the crossbar from 25 yards. Much better from CSKA.
CHANCE! Incredible. Gotze's through ball sets up Lewandowski, who does brilliantly to dodge Akinfeev before shooting towards the bottom corner. The ball hits the post, and Fernandes reacts impressively to clear off the line. I'm not sure how the ball didn't go in.
SUBSTITUTION: Eremenko comes off to be replaced by Georgi Milanov as CSKA desperately search for a way back into the game.
Robben beats the offside trap and squares the ball for Gotze, who collides with Ignashevich in the box. No penalty on this occasion. Good decision.
GOAL! BAYERN 2-0 CSKA (RODE)
The CSKA dream is over. Schweinsteiger lobs the ball to the back post and Rode uses the space on offer to power a header past Akinfeev. Man City are now just a few minutes away from a spot in the last 16.
Even in a game which Bayern don't need to win, it's been a joy to watch Robben display his quality in the second half. The Dutchman has added an extra piece of quality to Bayern's attack since his introduction and CSKA just haven't been able to respond.
UPDATE: It's surely now all over in Group E. Pablo Zabaleta has just scored in the Italian capital to give City a 2-0 lead over Roma. Manuel Pellegrini's side will be in the next round.
CHANCE! Sorry Arjen, I'll take the blame. Moments after praising the Dutchman, he misses a great chance to make it 3-0. The first part is brilliant as a clever touch fools both Ignashevich and Akinfeev, but he can only blaze a shot over the crossbar from 12 yards.
SUBSTITUTION: One more change for CSKA as Dmitri Efremov replaces Musa.
GOAL! BAYERN 3-0 CSKA (GOTZE)
It's all too easy for the hosts as Gotze times his run to perfection to collect the ball inside the box before slotting past Akinfeev. Lovely finish from the World Cup winner.
FULL TIME: BAYERN 3-0 CSKA
CSKA's brave bid for qualification comes to an end at the Allianz Arena as Bayern cruise to all three points thanks to goals from Muller, Rode and Gotze. It wasn't spectacular, but Bayern were just too good for the visitors tonight. The Bundesliga champions progress alongside City, who secured their spot in the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Roma.
That's all from our live coverage. I hope you've enjoyed following the game with Sports Mole, but make sure you keep an eye out for analysis and reaction from every Champions League match. Goodnight.