CSKA Moscow kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages by holding Roma to a 1-1 draw at the Arena Khimki.
Francesco Totti fired the visitors ahead at the end of the first half with a powerful free kick.
Roma had a number of chances to add to their lead, but in the final minute of stoppage time Vasili Berezutski found the net for the hosts to deny them the three points.
Find out how the action unfolded below.
4.00pmGood afternoon everyone! A crucial day of Champions League football is upon us and some big names in European football could be heading out of the tournament this week. There is only room for one more team to make it through from Group E, so a victory is crucial as CSKA Moscow and Roma go head to head in Russia.
4.03pmCSKA looked dead and buried in this season's tournament after losing their first two games. They were then two goals down at home to Manchester City, but a great fightback in the second half saw them take their first point. They followed that up with a stunning victory at the Etihad in their last match to give themselves a real shot of reaching the last 16.
4.06pmTonight's visitors are a Roma side who are still in a good positon to qualify for the knockout stages, despite two bruising defeats against Bayern Munich. They were hammered 7-1 at home, before being thoroughly outplayed in a 2-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena. At the moment they are second in the group and hold the advantage over CSKA thanks to their 5-1 win over the Russians on the first matchday.
4.09pmAs things stand in the group, Bayern are comfortably through on 12 points, Roma and CSKA have four points and Manchester City have two points. If Roma win this evening and City fail to beat Bayern, then they will be going through to the last 16. However, if CSKA win then they will need to pick up a point against Bayern on the last matchday or hope that Roma fail to beat City, given the Italian side's superior head to head record.
4.12pmThere really are so many permutations as to what will happen in this group and by the end of the night we will have a clearer picture of who will be joining Bayern in the last 16 and who will be fighting it out for a Europa League spot. Okay, the team news is in so let's take a look at the starting lineups and the substitutes for each side.
We are ready for our last "closed" match @PFC_CSKA_MOSCOW vs @OfficialASRoma in @ChampionsLeague soon pic.twitter.com/acBFNmfQj9
— Арена Химки (@ArenaKhimki) November 25, 20144.15pmCSKA MOSCOW XI: Akinfeev, Fernandes, Berezutskiy, Ignashevich, Shchennikov, Natcho, Cauna, Dzagoev, Musa, Eremenko, Doumbia
4.16pmROMA XI: De Sanctis, Florenzi, Manolas, Astori, Cholevas, Nainggolan, De Rossi, Keita, Gervinho, Totti, Ljajic
4.17pmCSKA MOSCOW SUBS: Chepchugov, Nababkin, Chernov, Tosic, Efremov, Milanov, Vitinho
4.18pmROMA SUBS: Skorupski, Cole, Somma, Strootman, Pjanic, Iturbe, Destro
4.21pmCSKA manager Leonid Slutsky has made just one change from the team that beat Manchester City two weeks ago, with Aleksandrs Cauna coming in for Pontus Wernbloom. It means that the in-form Seydou Doumbia leads the line for the hosts, with Ahmed Musa and Roman Eremenko providing support in the attack.
4.24pmMeanwhile, Francesco Totti and Gervinho return to the Roma starting lineup after missing the victory over Atalanta at the weekend. Seydou Keita is preferred in the midfield to Miralem Pjanic, while Alessandro Florenzi is chosen at right back, with Maicon out injured.
4.27pmIf supporters of CSKA were told that their side would still be in a position to reach the last 16 after the first matchday, then they would not have believed it. Their group stage campaign got off to the worst possible start, as they fell to a 5-1 defeat at Roma, with four of those goals coming in the first half.
4.30pmCrowd problems in that match at the Stadio Olimpico led them to be handed a supporter ban, meaning that all their home games would be played behind closed doors. The first of those matches was against Bayern Munich, where an early penalty from Thomas Muller earned the Germans a 1-0 win.
1 - CSKA Moscow have won only one of their last seven @ChampionsLeague home games (D2 L4). Weakness #CSKARoma #Roma
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) November 25, 20144.33pmThere seemed absolutely no way back in their next match against Manchester City, as goals from Sergio Aguero and James Milner saw them head into the break 2-0 down. However, they produced a great fightback in the second half to earn a 2-2 draw to give themselves a real chance of escaping the group.
4.36pmIt got even better for them two weeks later at the Etihad, as a double from Seydou Doumbia gave them a 2-1 win. However, their domestic form has suffered since that victory, with defeats in their last two league games. They are currently 10 points behind leaders Zenit St Petersburg and face a real battle to defend their title.
4.39pmI have already mentioned Roma's good start to this season's Champions League, and after their win over CSKA and draw against Manchester City, they looked well placed to reach the knockout stages. Things haven't been easy for them in their last two games, as consecutive defeats against Bayern Munich have threatened to derail their campaign.
4.42pmThe biggest of those losses was a 7-1 hammering on home turf. Bayern were at their absolute best and many teams would have struggled against the likes of Arjen Robben and Mario Gotze that evening. In their next match against the Germans it was quite clear that they didn't want to suffer the same level of defeat and they will perhaps look at their 2-0 loss as a measure of improvement.
4.45pmAlthough they may have had a bit of struggle in Europe, things are still going well for them back home. They are currently second in the Serie A table and sit three points behind leaders Juventus. It looks like it is going to be another two-horse race, but a tricky match against Inter Milan awaits them on Sunday evening.
4.48pmThe visitors come into this evening's match with a great record against teams from Russia. They have never been beaten in the country, winning on each of their three visits. CSKA have a somewhat mixed record against Italian clubs, winning five and losing eight of their clashes against opponents from Serie A.
#CSKA v #Roma in #UCL - just over 10 mins to go to kick-off. To say it's cold in #Moscow would be an understatement pic.twitter.com/23G6AKeAmD
— Richard van P (@UEFAcomRichVP) November 25, 20144.51pmPREDICTION: I expect this to be a very different game from the last time these teams met. CSKA have improved drastically and come into this match will real confidence, while Roma suffered against the brilliant Bayern. It could be quite a nervy and cagey affair, but I am going to tip the visitors to edge this one with a 2-1 win.
4.54pmDon't forget that we will have plenty of Champions League action coming up for you tonight, with live commentary from all of the games across Europe. CSKA and Roma will certainly turn their attentions to Manchester City and Bayern's tie at the Etihad once this game in Russia comes to an end.
4.57pmBoth sets of players have just made their way out of the tunnel and onto the pitch. It really is a strange atmosphere, with the match once again being played in an empty stadium.
1 minKICKOFF! We are underway at the Arena Khimki!
3 minRoma are on top in these early stages and have been dominating the possession in the midfield. There seems to be plenty of space for them to exploit down the flanks, but they haven't managed to test Akinfeev in the CSKA goal yet.
6 minIt's still all Roma and the home side just can't get a touch of the ball. The Russians haven't been able to settle and Rudi Garcia will be hoping that his players can take advantage while they are in the ascendancy.
8 minThe visitors crank up the pressure and Nainggolan chips a great pass over the top looking for Florenzi. The makeshift full back then drills a low ball across the box, but the CSKA defence clear. Moments later Ljajic gets into a good crossing position from the right, but his delivery is far too strong and heads out for a throw.
11 minCSKA spring into life for the first time this evening as Musa bursts down the right wing. He gets to the byline and whips in a teasing low ball looking for Doumbia, but it is cleared just before the striker can meet it.
12 minDe Sanctis puts his team under pressure with a poor clearance that goes straight to Musa. The Nigerian then drives towards the box and finds Doumbia, who turns and can't quite get in a shot, before Roma clear behind for a corner. The hosts are then unable to make anything of the resulting set piece, but they are starting to get into the match following their slow start.
15 minWe are yet to see a serious attempt on goal from either side, with the game being largely played in the middle of the pitch. Roma are still dominating the possession, but CSKA are doing a better job of putting them under pressure and closing them down quickly.
18 minCSKA finally have the first effort on goal when Dzagoev picks the ball up in the midfield and drives forward. The space opens up in front of him so he decides to let fly from 25 yards, but his shot ends up heading wide of the post.
21 minThe visitors threaten again and Dzagoev is inches away from connecting with a teasing ball over the defence. Moments later Nainggolan looks to pick out the top corner from just outside the box, but his stinging drive goes over the bar.
24 minGervinho is looking very lively at the moment for the visitors and his direct runs are causing problems for the CSKA defenders. He almost sets up an attack when he combines with Ljajic on the left, but his cross looking for Totti in the middle is easily cut out.
28 minThe hosts enjoy their first sustained spell of possession and manage to get in behind the Roma defence. It's Eremenko who finds space on the left, but his low cross is dealt with by the visitors.
31 minRoma have shown on a few occasions that they have the pace to break quickly when the hosts give the ball away in the midfield. They haven't quite made the most of their opportunities that have came their way, but if they can get Gervinho running at a defender one-on-one then you suspect they can do some real damage.
33 minWe all know the quality that Totti has at his disposal and the Roma captain almost threads a brilliant ball through to Ljajic. His pass is just too strong for the Serbian, who had made a decent run in behind, but it is a positive sign for the visitors.
36 minCHANCE! Totti is involved again as he plays a delightful ball over the top that Florenzi gets onto. He then looks to pick out a teammate in the middle, but his drilled low ball flashes across the box with nobody able to get a touch.
38 minYELLOW CARD! Dzagoev is the first player to pick up a booking this evening for a foul on Totti.
39 minSAVE! What a huge chance this is for CSKA. Doumbia latches onto a through ball and finds himself with just De Sanctis to beat, but he fires his effort straight at the keeper. The ball comes back out to him, but he is unable to threaten again as the visitors clear behind for a corner.
42 minYELLOW CARD! Florenzi has looked to get forward on a number of occasions and following a wonderful run he drives towards the edge of the box, before being brought down by Berezoutski. The CSKA defender is booked and Roma will now have a free kick in a very dangerous position.
43 minGOAL! CSKA Moscow 0-1 Roma (Francesco Totti)
43 minWith just two minutes until half time Roma have the lead and it's their captain who scores. Totti steps up to take the free kick that was won by Florenzi and fires a brilliant strike into the corner that gives the keeper no chance. That really is a huge goal and could be sending the Italians through to the last 16 come the end of the evening.
45 minWe are going to have just one minute of added time.
45+1 minCHANCE! It's almost two for Roma as the ball drops kindly to Florenzi on the edge of the box following a free kick. He drills in a strike looking for the bottom corner, but Akinfeev gets down well to turn the ball behind for a corner.
45+1 minHALF-TIME: CSKA Moscow 0-1 Roma
5.50pmIt's half time and Roma are ahead in Russia. A great free kick from Francesco Totti has given the Giallorossi a priceless advantage as they bid to reach the knockout stages. We could be in for a great second half, as the hosts look to keep their hopes alive.
#CSKARoma LIVE! Francesco Totti!!!! pic.twitter.com/ogiaKbOR5c
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) November 25, 20145.54pmThat goal was another moment of history in the illustrious career of Totti. He became the Champions League's oldest goalscorer when he netted against Manchester City, but at the age of 38 years and 59 days he has improved it further.
5.58pmLet's take a quick look at the half-time statistics. Roma have been dominant on the ball and have had 65% of the possession. Both teams have had four attempts on goal, but all that really matters is that Roma have found the back of their opponents' net.
6.00pmSo, what has that goal from Roma done to the group? They are now on seven points, three ahead of CSKA and with a better head to head record. If they hold on and win the game then it means that they will definitely be through to the knockout stages if Manchester City fail to beat Bayern Munich later, but there is still a lot of football left to be played.
6.03pmThe teams are back out on the pitch and the second half should be getting started in just a few moments.
46 minCSKA take the kick off and get the match back underway.
48 minThe hosts have made a decent start to the second half and they have the first attempt on goal. A decent move on the edge of the box ends with Eremenko working some room to get away his effort, but he can only blaze the ball high and wide of the target.
51 minOver the past few minutes Roma have seen much more of the ball and are looking confident in possession. They have the players in the midfield to really stamp their authority on this match and make sure that they don't allow their lead to slip.
54 minAt the moment the visitors are looking comfortable and there is much more space opening up for them as CSKA push more men forward. They haven't quite been able to work a decent chance and find themselves being closed down whenever they get near Roma's box.
57 minI just mentioned that Roma are finding more space when they counter and Gervinho finds himself charging through on the left when a CSKA attack breaks down. The Ivorian manages to take it past one defender, but he takes a heavy touch and ends up losing the ball as he looks to break into the box.
60 minMISS! Nainggolan really should have scored a second for Roma here. He does brilliantly to drive into the box and cuts inside of Berezoutski to find himself clean through on goal. He then looks to sidefoot an effort into the bottom corner, but his strike goes inches wide of the far post. Will his side be made to pay for that miss?
63 minDoumbia was so impressive in his last match against City, but he has barely had a sniff this evening. Aside from getting in behind near the end of the first half, he has been marshaled well by the Roma defence, with Manolas enjoying a particularly good night at the back.
67 minFernandes has the ball in the back of the net for CSKA, but he was well offside as he latched onto a ball over thee top and finished past De Sanctis. His side are still struggling to create any decent chances and have found the target just once so far.
70 minCHANCE! De Sanctis finally has a save to make in this second half. CSKA take a quick corner and work the ball inside to Musa, who then tries to pick out the top corner. His effort is on target, but it lacks enough power to beat the keeper, who comfortably tips it over the bar.
73 minThe hosts have started to pile on the pressure, but Roma are holding strong and proving to be hard to get in behind. Musa could be CSKA's best chance of getting a goal, given his chance just moments ago and the fact that he is seeing plenty of the ball down the right.
76 minCHANCE! The hosts create a rare chance when Dzagoev ghosts into the box to meet Berezoutski's cross from the right. He does well to get a decent header on goal, but from that distance it would of taken something special to beat the keeper, who ends up making a comfortable save.
77 minSUBSTITUTION: Gervinho's evening has come to an end, with Iturbe entering the pitch to play the final 13 minutes for Roma.
79 minCHANCE! Roma waste another huge chance to seal the points. They break quickly and Iturbe charges through the midfield, before spotting the run of Ljajic ahead of him. The Serb then gets into the box and has just the keeper to beat, but his low drive is blocked by Akinfeev.
81 minSUBSTITUTION: Tosic is coming on for the hosts, with Musa the man to make way.
83 minSUBSTITUTION: This time it's Roma with the change, as the fit-again Strootman is on for Nainggolan.
84 minYELLOW CARD! Schennikov is the third CSKA player to pick up a booking after bringing down Iturbe, with the winger threatening to break clear.
87 minThe hosts are pushing hard for an equaliser, but the Roma backline are holding firm. Manolas and Astori have dealt with everything that has come their way and the likes of De Rossi in front of them have also put their bodies on the line time and time again.
87 minSUBSTITUTION: Roma make their final change, as Pjanic comes on to replace Ljajic.
89 minCHANCE! This is a big chance for the hosts. Iturbe slices a clearance on the edge of the box and the ball is then flicked through to Dzagoev. The midfielder then tries to go for a speculator acrobatic effort, but he gets it all wrong and completely misses the ball. That is a huge let off for Garcia's side.
90 minThere are going to be three minutes of stoppage time.
90+3 minGOAL! CSKA Moscow 1-1 Roma (Vasili Berezutski)
90+3 minUnbelievable! CSKA have drawn level in the final minute of stoppage time. Berezutski is the man who scores, as he whips in a cross from the left that misses everyone inside the box and finds the bottom corner. Roma only have themselves to blame for letting the three points slip away from their grasp.
90+3 minFULL-TIME: CSKA Moscow 1-1 Roma
6.54pmBerezutski's goal proved to be the final kick of the match and it has ended all square in Russia. It looked like Roma were heading for the win and they had plenty of chances to score a second, but their hopes now hang in the balance.
6.57pmThat late, late goal means that Group E is still wide open and Manchester City's hope are well and truly alive. They will now face Bayern knowing that they can afford to drop points, before they head to the Stadio Olimpico to play Roma in their final group game.
7.00pmThat's all we've got time for after an eventful match in Russia. Please stay with us as we bring you live coverage of every game in this evening's Champions League. Until next time, goodbye!
