Astana make Champions League history as CSKA stun Sporting

John Bridgen 8 years ago 134
Jefferson fighting for the ball. Twitter

Kazakhstan will witness its first side to compete in the tournament proper, while BATE have also sealed their place in the group stage

Astana became the first side from Kazakhstan to reach the group stage of the Champions League after their 1-1 draw with APOEL.

Taking a 1-0 first-leg lead to Cyprus, it looked as though extra-time could be on the cards when Semir Stilic levelled the tie midway through the second half but, with six minutes remaining, Nemanja Maksimovic ensured a slice of history for Astana.

There was a second-leg comeback in Moscow, meanwhile, as CSKA mounted a stunning revival against Sporting.

Having lost 2-1 in Portugal, CSKA fell further behind when Teofilo Gutierrez struck nine minutes prior to half-time.

But two goals from Seydou Doumbia brought the hosts level, before Ahmed Musa struck with five minutes remaining to complete the comeback, with Joao Mario sent off for Sporting in stoppage-time.

Elsewhere, BATE advanced on away goals despite a 2-1 defeat at Partizan.

With a 1-0 lead from the first leg, Igor Stasevich put the Belgrade hosts in control of the tie, although Maksim Zhavnerchik's own goal and Ivan Saponjic's strike for Partizan ensured a nervous finale for BATE before they progressed on away goals.

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