Mark Gonzàlez's powers of persuasion proved key as Keisuke Honda's free-kick fired PFC CSKA Moskva into the quarter-finals at Sevilla FC's expense. "I told Honda he had to take it," Gonzàlez said.Even though PFC CSKA Moskva's historic winning performance against Sevilla FC was fully merited for its tactics, energy and finishing power, it turns out the Russian club will make its debut in Friday's UEFA Champions League quarter-final draw partially through good luck and good judgment.
The enthralling first knockout round tie was balanced nicely at 2-2 on aggregate ten minutes into the second half when Keisuke Honda stepped forward to hit a thunderous free-kick which would provide the winning goal. However only a few seconds before he had been trying to give the opportunity to his strike-partner Tomáš Necid.
The Japanese only joined CSKA from VVV Venlo in the winter transfer market and despite his winning goal in the Russian league at the weekend against FC Amkar Perm he did not feel it was his place to take control. However Chilean winger Mark Gonzàlez stepped in and persuaded Honda he was the man with a cannon in his boot – a decision which was proved spectacularly correct.
"Honda didn't really want to take the kick," Gonzàlez told UEFA.com, grinning at the memory. "He thought Necid should instead, but I told Honda he had to take it because he has a really good strike on him. I managed to convince him, luckily, but even so I could hardly believe it when the goal went in.
"We knew enough from the first leg that it was going to be a hard game. The keys were that we went out not feeling any pressure, any anxiety and that meant we were totally focused on our game plan."
That included playing quickly and intelligently on the counter-attack and CSKA's first goal, made by Honda and scored by Necid was the key example. "Even though Sevilla started well and could have scored I felt the next phase of the game was ours," Gonzàlez continued. "In the second half we went out with renewed effort because we knew how important a second goal would be and we dominated once we got it."
Honda was keen to take blame away from Sevilla keeper Andrés Palop, who appeared to misjudge the 55th-minute free-kick. "I didn't expect to score because I thought the keeper would get it, but the ball was a bit wet and maybe that surprised him. Perhaps I got a bit lucky but a goal is a goal. I took a risk in the transfer to CSKA because there is always a risk in any move – but I think I made the right one."
Final word goes to the hard working Gonzàlez who has a special petition for the draw on Friday. "As a former Liverpool player I'd love to draw Manchester United. CSKA played them in the group stage but I didn't have that opportunity because of injury – it would be nice to face them again because they are great games."
Honda repays Gonzàlez's faith
