CSKA ready for Sporting backlash

CSKA Moscow coach Valeriy Gazzaev expects to face a UEFA Cup backlash tonight from a Sporting Lisbon side still smarting from their inability to claim the Portuguese SuperLiga.

Sporting’s chances of winning their domestic title evaporated at the weekend with a 1-0 defeat to city rivals Benfica, although they do have the chance to seek redemption by clinching European success on home soil.

Gazzaev took in the match against Benfica and knows Sporting will be desperate to make amends at their Estadio Jose Alvalade.

“It was not the best performance from Sporting so there is room for improvement and we are expecting them to play better tonight.

“Some of the players who played against Benfica will not line up against us though, so it is hard to judge them on that basis.

“Liedson was suspended for example and other players were missing so maybe that is why they lost. It is a different game tonight and we are ready for a serious fight.”