The glass building at a corner of the stadium looks like the former UEFA Cup and, in fact, that is what it is supposed to represent. Construction on the CSKA Arena started immediately after the biggest triumph in the Moscow club's history in 2005 and the work was finally completed a few weeks ago.
Bayer 04 are the third opponenst in the Champions League here and are looking for a win on Tuesday night (18.00 CET) to take an important, and even decisive, step in the direction of the Round of 16. "We’re in good shape and still unbeaten in the Champions League," said Roger Schmidt at the pre-match press conference. On matchday five of six, if his team urns more points than Tottenham Hotspur in their second group match at AS Monaco then Bayer 04 will be through to the last 16.
And given the two hour time difference in Russia the Werkself can be a step ahead and "really put the opposition under pressure," as sporting director Rudi Völler said at the airport. Regardless of any such calculations, a win would be important to keep Bayer 04's fate in their own hands on the final matchday against Monaco. The match will not be a walk in a Moscow park as CSKA will be keen to use their last chance of reaching the Round of 16. They are now able to call on Alen Dzagoev, the playmaker and goalscorer in the 2-2 draw in Germany. The second goalscorer, Roman Eremenko, is unavailable after being suspended following a positive drugs test.
Personnel update
Talking about personnel: Bayer 04 will have to make do without Stefan Kießling (thigh), and Lars Bender (heel) in the below zero temperatures in the Russian capital. Ömer Toprak, the player at the press conference alongside Schmidt, gave his analysis of the opposition: "Moscow are compact, disciplined and good on the break. We experienced that in the first match and we want to do better tomorrow."
Toprak and Co. were able to get an impression of the steep stands and sweeping roofs of the impressive CSKA Arena when Roger Schmidt led the final pre-match training session. The squad worked for 90 minutes on the hybrid turf to prepare for the being on top form on Tuesday night to move closer to achieving the dream of reaching the Round of 16.
Alejo Sarco has joined the Werkself training camp in Brazil. The 19-year-old striker, signed from Argentinian club Vélez Sarsfield in January, talks to bayer04.de about his first six months in Germany, help from Exequiel Palacios and his targets up to the end of the year.
Show moreDay three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Today, Thursday 17 July, sees the two new signings Jarell Quansah and Christian Kofane join the squad in training. Plus the former Werkself players Paulo Sergio and Rodrigo Chagas visit the Bayer AG Football School. In the afternoon there is a big media event ahead of the friendly against the Flamengo U20s. As usual, Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on-the-spot reports. The blog for day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings given in local time).
Show moreThe Bayer 04 Women's first-team squad has taken on three homegrown players: Louisa Remien, Paula Schwartze and Amy Wrigge will be part of the Bundesliga team for the new season.
Show moreAt the Casa do Alemão, a small, cosy restaurant in the middle of Rio de Janeiro, the guests with Currywurst and German beer had the best view from the upper floor of the imposing mountain scenery surrounding the Brazilian metropolis. 30 Bayer 04 fans experienced this special atmosphere on Wednesday afternoon. For the first time, Werkself fans from Brazil and Germany met each other at an official meet & greet with club legend Paulo Sergio. In a high-spirited atmosphere, Sergio revealed one or two funny stories and the Bayer 04 fans had lively discussions with each other…
Show moreDay two of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour can begin. Today, Wednesday 16 July, the Werkself have two training sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. There will also be a meet & greet for fans with club legend Paulo Sergio. As usual, Bayer04.de will keep you up-to-date with on-site reports. The blog on day two of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings in local time).
Show more