League win for CSKA
After five games without a win, CSKA Moscow picked up three points on Friday night. Georgi Milanov scored the only goal of the game at Arsenal Tula to put CSKA third in the Russian top-flight behind Spartak Moscow and Zenit St. Petersburg
Tuesday's match against the Werkself in the Champions League (18.00 CET) is crucial for the Russian champions. CSKA Moscow, currently bottom of Group E with two points, have to beat Bayer 04 to maintain the chance of finishing in second or third place. After the 2-2 draw at Leverkusen, CSKA drew 1-1 at home to Monaco and lost 1-0 to Tottenham and 3-0 in Monaco.
One win in last ten UCL home games
CSKA have lost two of their last three home games in the Champions League and only recorded one win in front of their own fans in the last 10 games in this competition.
In the last three seasons, CSKA lost their three home games against teams from Germany. In 2015/16 they went down 2-0 to Wolfsburg in Khimki before losing twice against FC Bayern Munich.
Like Bayer 04, the Russian champions are in the group stages for the fourth time in succession. Last term they finished bottom of their group with one win, one draw and four defeats.
Michael Schade: "A win leaves all options open"
A draw in Moscow would ensure the Werkself finish at least third in the group. If Tottenham lose at Monaco one point would secure second place due to the better results against the English side.
"After the great 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium three weeks ago, we want to take another big step in the direction of the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday night," said Bayer 04 CEO Michael Schade. "A win at the Russian champions CSKA Moscow leaves all options open – as predicted – in this balanced group where we could be in a final on 7 December at the BayArena with the chance of winning the group against AS Monaco."
Last win in Russia against Zenit
If the Werkself succeed in reaching the Round of 16 it would be the seventh time Bayer 04 have reached the knockout rounds in eleven Champions League campaigns.
The last time Bayer 04 played a Russian opponent was in the group stage of the Champions League in 2014/15. The Werkself beat FC Zenit St. Petersburg 2-0 at home and 2-1 away.
CSKA Moscow player Roman Eremenko, who scored the equaliser for CSKA in the 2-2 draw at the BayArena, has received a two-year ban from UEFA. After the match in Leverkusen Eremenko tested positive for cocaine.
Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
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Carles Martìnez is raring to go. The 42-year-old speaks in his first interview in Leverkusen about the club's development to date and how he wants to build on it. He describes his previous work in France, Kuwait, Qatar and his native Barcelona, his experience in developing young players, and the key steps between now and the start of pre-season training.
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New Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez has arrived in Leverkusen! At midday on Friday, the 42-year-old spoke in a press conference at the BayArena about his philosophy and his aims. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes also discussed the reasons for appointing the former Toulouse boss.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Carles Martínez Novell. Bayer 04 have appointed the 42-year-old Spaniard as the new head coach on a contract to 2028. Martínez most recently worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. He previously spent four years at Barcelona's legendary academy La Masia in his home city. Bayer04.de introduces Martínez in more detail.
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