UEFA Cup, semi-final , 2nd leg - 5/5/05
CSKA Moscow 3-0 Parma (3-0 on agg)
Carvalho (CSKA) 10, 53, V. Berezoutski (CSKA) 60
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Parma’s brave UEFA Cup march has come to an end after a 3-0 semi-final loss at CSKA Moscow on Thursday. The struggling Serie A outfit were hoping to book a place in the Final this evening but were well beaten by a more experienced and clinical side.
Despite needing to score after the 0-0 draw at the Stadio Tardini last week, boss Pietro Carmignani decided to field a 3-5-1-1 formation with Francesco Ruopolo leading the line on his own, as star striker Alberto Gilardino started the game on the bench.
The first half proved to be a lively encounter with CSKA taking the attacking initiative, even if the Italian outfit did cause them a little trouble in the opening period.
Parma started brightly with Ruopolo providing a threat but the Moscow team took the lead after just 10 minutes. Carvalho collected a cross from the left and his shot left Luca Bucci with no chance as CSKA went 1-0 up.
The veteran ‘keeper wouldn’t go on to guard the Parma net for too much longer though after he was forced to come off after 20 minutes. Bucci was left shocked and shaken by a number of firecrackers that were launched on to the pitch – an incident which could have consequences if Parma decide to make an official complaint to UEFA.
It took a little time for the Gialloblu to regroup and they had to wait until the 23rd minute for a decent shot on goal. Bresciano picked the ball up in midfield and his effort from distance was saved by the Russian No 1.
Carvalho and Aldonin both had more efforts for the home side before the half-time oranges but with no success. While Parma went close to the equaliser thanks to a 33rd minute Ruopolo header and a Bresciano shot which almost went in after an Ignasevich deflection.
Parma went into the second half knowing that they had to score to reach the Lisbon final and it was no surprise when Gilardino, 21 League goals this term, was brought on in the 49th minute.
However, the Tardini youngsters were left with an increasingly difficult task as the Russians doubled their lead through their Brazilian playmaker yet again. Vagner’s super work was rewarded by Carvalho who beat Frey with an accurate left foot shot.
Parma had barely caught their breath after that blow when they went three down on the hour mark. Defender Valeri Berezoutski was the hero as his goal left Parma with the grand task of scoring three goals in just 30 minutes.
Not that they were put off by that objective. Gilardino was brought on to score a goal and he came mighty close on 68 minutes when his delicate header beat Akinfeev but rattled the crossbar.
Frey and Akinfeev then had the opportunity to show off their goalkeeping skills. The Frenchman produced a miracle save from a Carvalho free-kick which denied the South American his hat-trick. While the Moscow man punched away a powerful Bresciano drive.
With such a healthy advantage and Parma’s realisation that their unexpected European run was over, CSKA controlled the closing stages to ensure a 3-0 aggregate victory and safe passage to the Portuguese Final later this month. Parma, who finished the game with 10 men after two Daniele Bonera bookings, will now need to concentrate on top-flight survival.
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CSKA: Akinfeev; V. Berezoutski, Ignasevich, A. Berezoutski; Odiah, Aldonin, Rahimic, Zhirkov; Carvalho (Semberas 75), Olic (Krasic 58), Vagner Love (Salougin 88)
Parma: Bucci (Frey 20); Cannavaro, Bovo, Bonera; Camara, Dessena, Grella (Simplicio 59), Savi, Furlan (Gilardino 49); Bresciano; Ruopolo
Ref: Hamer (Lux)
Sent-off: Bonera (P) 90
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we shall see