From Russia with love for Jose

EVEN the self-titled “Special One” cannot claim that it was Jose Mourinho magic that steered Inter Milan into the semi-final of the Champions League last night.

It did not require Mourinho’s special brand of management to dispose of a disappointing CSKA who had a chance to make Russian football history, yet meekly surrendered.

The army-sponsored team of the Soviet era swiftly raised the white flag after an early goal from Wesley Sneijder meant they required three goals to become the first team from the country to advance beyond the last eight of this competition.