Gervinho stars as Roma crush CSKA Moscow in Champions League return
AS Roma marked their return to the UEFA Champions League in emphatic fashion on Tuesday night, sweeping aside Russian side CSKA Moscow 5-1 at the Stadio Olimpico. The Italians were inspired by a sensational performance from Ivorian forward Gervinho, who was directly involved in three of Roma’s goals.
Rudi Garcia’s side wasted no time asserting their dominance. Just three minutes in, Gervinho set up Juan Iturbe to open the scoring, and what followed was a display of clinical attacking football. Gervinho doubled the lead shortly after, outpacing the defence before coolly slotting past Igor Akinfeev.
Right-back Maicon made it 3-0 with a powerful run and finish, as CSKA struggled to cope with Roma’s intensity. Before half-time, Gervinho added his second of the night — and Roma’s fourth — with a composed finish following another incisive attack.
Alessandro Florenzi made it 5-0 early in the second half, capping off a dominant display by the Giallorossi, who look well-poised to challenge in a tough Group E.
For CSKA Moscow, it was a night to forget. Their Ivorian striker Seydou Doumbia was largely isolated and ineffective, unable to replicate the form that has made him a key figure for the Russian club. The only consolation came from Nigerian winger Ahmed Musa, who scored late to salvage some pride.
The result sends a clear message to Roma’s European rivals, with Gervinho’s electric performance underlining the club’s intent to make a deep run in this season’s competition.
