Published: 2 May, 2009, 10:46
Edited: 2 May, 2009, 10:46
CSKA Moscow's hopes of clinching their third Euroleague title since 2006 are alive after the reigning champions edged out Spanish rivals Barcelona in Friday's semi-final in Berlin.
Ettore Messina's men fought back after losing the first quarter 21-12 to eventually beat Barca by four points – 82-78. Trajan Langdon added 15 points for Moscow.
Former CSKA centre David Andersen led Barcelona with 24 points, but had just two in the final quarter. Juan Carlos Navarro and Jaka Lakovic added 13 points apiece.
The Armymen are now just one win away from becoming three-time European club champions over the past four years.
Their next opponent was decided later on Friday in the all-Greek rivalry Panathinaikos vs. Olympiacos. In a highly tenacious battle the 2007 holders came out winners with a symbolic two point lead, 84-82 for Panathinaikos, and the green-and-whites are now preparing for the crucial clash on May 3.