MOSCOW, October 21 (RIA Novosti) - A Manchester United side missing a number of key players earned a 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow in the Russian capital on Wednesday to all but seal qualification for the Champions League play-off stages.
The first-half saw few clear-cut chances for either side and there was little to lift the mood of the crowd at a not-quite-full Luzhniki stadium on a chilly evening.
United, who had never previously beaten Russian opposition, were missing striker Wayne Rooney, defender Patrice Evra and midfielders Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs and took some time to settle as CSKA attempted to run at the English champion's defense.
The second 45 minutes saw an increase in tempo and chances, CSKA's Alan Dzagoyev having a goal ruled out for offside just after the break.
United's class eventually began to tell though, and Antonio Valencia crashed a shot against the bar after some excellent build-up play.
Alex Ferguson's side grabbed all three points with four minutes left, Valencia drifting on to a Nani cross to power past Igor Akinfeev in the CSKA goal.
CSKA have now lost two and won one of their three Champions League games this season.
