Real Madrid 0-3 CSKA Moscow: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | Champions League 2018-19

Disappointment. Despair. Disbelief.
Disappointment. Despair. Disbelief.

#2 The game starts slowly, both teams take a while to settle

It was a hard-fought opening 20 minutes
It was a hard-fought opening 20 minutes

It was a slow start to proceedings, with both outfits taking a while to get into the act or threaten opposition goalkeepers. Until a Marco Asensio effort in the 15th minute that was rather tame, there was nothing to test either shot-stopper.

Young Vinicius did look threatening with his direct, fearless nature and sublime first touches, and so did Marco Asensio, but the opening exchanges of the fixture were sluggish and lacklustre.

Los Blancos recycled possession repeatedly and tried to carve open a five-man Moscow defence that was foiled by a packed four-man midfield - all close to each other.

A couple of efforts from the home team's wingers were blocked and cleared away. While the game was being played at a pedestrian pace, Courtois had almost nothing to do at the other end.

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