UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST 16 FIRST LEG CSKA Moscow 1 Sevilla 1:SEVILLA are favourites to progress to the quarter-finals after holding CSKA Moscow to a 1-1 draw last night. Alvaro Negredo put the Spaniards in front after 25 minutes, taking advantage of CSKA's defensive miscue to tap the ball in from a Jesus Navas cross.
The Russians equalised through Chilean winger Mark Gonzalez, who caught Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop off-guard with a long-range strike in the 66th minute.
CSKA, playing their first competitive match in more than two months after a prolonged winter break, had a territorial edge for most of the game but with playmaker Alan Dzagoyev sidelined with a groin injury they lacked the final pass.
Japanese newcomer Keisuke Honda was one of the most active players for the home team in the first half, testing Palop with several long-range drives. Honda also came close with a header shortly after the restart.
Sevilla, missing striker Luis Fabiano and winger Diego Capel with injuries, were content to sit back but capitalised on their first real chance through Negredo’s deadly finish.
Gonzalez’s goal gives his team a fighting chance in the return leg in Sevilla.
