After five years

The fate did not allow CSKA and Barcelona to meet on the group stage of Euroleague often. The last time Catalans played in Moscow almost five years ago, so their visit can be called long-awaited.

“We are coming to this important game after a good week of games and productive practices with good effort shown by the team”, – CSKA head coach Ettore Messina said. “We are improving and hopefully we will be able to play on the level to fight with one of the best teams on the continent, favorite to play in the Final Four. We will build our game on defense and ball movement, trying to keep balance in our attack. I hope that the fans will enjoy the game.”

The sell-out is expected for the game. 13-thousand Megasport Arena is busy with fugure scating Grand Prix so CSKA has to play the game in the old hall with 5.300 attendance.

Zoran Erceg is back to Moscow after the surgery on Achilles tendon and remains sidelined. The club is able to use Dionte Christmas.