Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 21st goal in 29 Champions League games for Real Madrid, as the Spanish capital club emerged from the frozen Luzhniki Stadion with a hard fought 1-1 draw in the first leg of their round of 16 tie with CSKA Moscow.

Jose Mourinho’s men have been in unstoppable form as of late, and were hopeful that in spite of the harsh weather conditions, they could take a valuable lead with them into the second leg.

In addition to the sub-zero temperatures, the artificial turf had been a concern coming into the match, and indeed the Spanish giants started slowly. Karim Benzema was forced to withdraw in only the 15th minute after pulling a muscle while taking a shot, an injury likely brought on by the cold. The hosts, for their part, did well to frustrate Madrid whenever they advanced and even created a few half chances of their own.

Emphatic Ronaldo finish

Truthfully, the match was lacking in quality, except whenever Cristiano Ronaldo got a hold of the ball. Ronaldo initially signalled his intent by sending in two superb crosses that the defence did well to clear. However, his undeniable class shone brightest when he caught Coentrao’s deflected cross on the half-volley and smashed it into the far corner of the net.

The 28th minute opener did cause the Russian’s defence to waver somewhat, but Madrid went into the interval with just one precious away goal.

The pace of the game intensified in the 2nd half, but neither side was able to sufficiently expose the other during the opening quarter hour. Gradually, Real Madrid began to find opportunities on the counter attack as the hosts surged forward in search of an equalizer.

Keisuke Honda came on for CSKA Moscow and they began to look more and more threatening. Seydou Doumbia in particular looked in the mood and exhibited some dazzling footwork to put in a decent cross past Jose Callejon.

At the other end, only the trailing arm of keeper Sergey Chepchugov denied Ronaldo when he broke the offside trap and bore down on goal in the 77th minute. Minutes later, Ronaldo placed his shot narrowly the wrong side of the post when the ball fell invitingly for him at the top of the penalty area.

Late equaliser

Just when it seemed as if Madrid would walk away with all the spoils, Pontus Wernbloom somehow managed to stab home a loose ball that was not immediately dealt with by the Madrid defence.

The goal, which came in the 93rd minute, ensures that the Russian side will have something to play for when they travel to Madrid in three weeks’ time for the second leg. Given the poor playing conditions, the result is far from awful for Los Merengues, but Jose Mourinho will be seething over the concession of such a late goal. Real Madrid next play at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in La Liga.

by Nathan Motz