Real Madrid faced a shock defeat against CSKA Moscow in a UEFA Champions League 2018-19 match, on Wednesday. The scoreline 1-0 doesn’t do justice as to how closely fought the contest was. However, the Russian club had the last laugh over the Spanish Giants as they were seen gasping for a goal in the night.

Los Blancos paid a heavy price for Toni Kroos’ mistake as Nikola Vlasic intervened his pass; the Russian striker made the most of this gaffe (in the same play) and subsequently scored a goal in the second minute of the match. There was no other goal scored in the first half despite several attempts.

The second half of the high-octane clash at Luzhniki Stadium, in Moscow, remained goal-less too, with CSKA Moscow’s goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev doing all the hard work to keep his club’s slender lead alive. Only a night before, Akinfeev had announced his retirement from the Russian national team.

Real Madrid tried their best; however, Dani Carvajal and Karim Benzema's attempts found woodwork that denied them goals. Perhaps, the club lacked the presence of other senior players in the side.

Isco, Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Sergio Ramos didn’t travel with the team in Russia, and the club paid the price for their complacency. Even Madrid’s star player and FIFA Best Player of the Year 2018, Luka Modric, didn’t start the match was kept on the bench in the start.

CSKA Moscow 1-0 Real Madrid, UEFA Champions League 2018-19 Match Video Highlights:

With the win, CSKA Moscow has moved on the top spot in Group G standings of UEFA Champions League 2018-19. Moscow has won one and drawn one match in two matches they have played, and have 4 points in their kitty.

On the other hand, Real Madrid is on the second spot with a win and loss in their two matches. With 3 points in their kitty, the defending champions are tied on second place with AS Roma.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 03, 2018 09:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).