Three Russian clubs were taking part in the first round of the UEFA Cup on Thursday. Veterans of European action CSKA and Spartak Moscow proved their class, while rookies FC Moscow suffered from a lack of experience.

Slaven Koprivnica 1-2 CSKA

CSKA Moscow played Slaven Koprivnica in Croatia. The army men were not showing their best football during most of the game. They were one down at the end of the first half after a goal from Mario Juric.

But Brazilian Wagner Love turned the game upside down equalising with 8 minutes to play and then bringing CSKA a win from the penalty spot.  

Banik Ostarava 0-1 Spartak Moscow

Michael Laudrup got his coaching career at Russia’s most popular club off to a good start with a win in the Czech Republic. It was goalless after 45 minutes, but after the break the Russian pressure became too strong for Banik. In the end, Fathi put the ball in the net after a cross from a free-kick, which was enough for the Muscovites.

FC Moscow 1-2 FC Copenhagen  

The Danish side looked in control from the start. They opened the scoring just seconds before the break from the penalty spot. Morten Nordstrand put the ball past keeper Anton Omelchenko.

But the main drama took place in stoppage time as FC Moscow fought back on 90 minutes after a spectacular shot from Aleksandr Samedov.

But the visitors weren’t finished yet and the Danish outfit grabbed the all-important second away goal just seconds from the end. Czech international Libor Sionko scored the vital goal with a diving header.