OCTOBER!
This month was to be a massive month in our season, and the questions asked of our side this month would really shape our season. We had a few big games in both the league and the Champions League which would really show our resolve as a team and also our character.
Moscow V CSKA
Not the most of convincing of performances from us to be honest. But at this stage of the season it isn't how you play, it is how many points you pick up. Another advantage from this game was the fact that Guilherme came to make a comeback from injury today.
Real Madrid V CSKA
As the stats show; this was never worthy of a 3-0 defeat. It was an even game but at the end of the day their quality showed, we didn't take our chances and they did so they deserved to win it. Despite how far we have come, it really did show the gulf in quality between the two sides.
CSKA V Tom
Another lacklustre display today, but again it isnt the performance that counts. We were very unconvincing but a victory is a victory and Lacina Traore is starting to score a fair few goals now which is a very good side. This win also put us 3 points closer to retaining our league title which is a brilliant feeling.
Krylja Sovetov V CSKA
A really good win from us which put us within touching distance of the league. We have shown many times this season that we can blow teams away but today we showed that we can show some grit and determination and grind out a victory which is just as satisfying.
CSKA V Real Madrid
We took the lead this evening and for the first 15 minutes or so we looked very impressive. Unfortunately a couple of lapses in concentration and they made us pay. This is why I feel that I have just lost twice to the eventual winners of the competition. They showed us that unfortunately we aren't strong enough to win the Champions League this season but if we strengthen up in the transfer window we can come back and make a real fight of it next season.
The double defeat against Real Madrid didn't do wonders to our qualification hopes, but we are in a great position being level on points with Celtic having already played Madrid twice. Celtic's last two games are away to me and Real Madrid at home.
CSKA MOSCOW RETAIN THEIR LEAGUE TITLE!!!
(Above) Alan Dzagoev and Gulherme celebrating the league title
Whilst we were playing against Madrid, Rubin Kazan were being held to a 1-1 draw against Dinamo Moscow which handed us the league title. To do so with four games left to play in the season is a massive achievement and I am very proud of the players. We now have the Champions League to focus on and aiming to qualify from the group stages.
(Below, Alex Whitehouse and Victor Onopko reminiscing about the league title)
''The players were very disappointed to drop points but at the 90 minute whistle having found that Rubin Kazan had dropped points the disappointment turned to ecstacy. Credit to the Real Madrid players and coaching staff, they congratulated us on our hard fought victory for the league and we gave them our dues for their victory as well, they played brilliantly.''
However the celebrations will be short lived as Whitehouse declared that the players will get one day off then they will get back to training as they have a couple of crucial Champions League games coming up.
Transfers over both seasons:
(Tiraths here you go mate)