CSKA, who have never made it past the tournament's group stages, made the worst possible start, a horrendous defensive mix up gifting Fenerbahce's Brazilian midfielder, Alex, a goal in the 9th minute.
The Russians immediately pressed forward, looking for an equalizer. However, despite winning corner after corner, they were unable to make the vital breakthrough, and the score remained unchanged at halftime.
Perhaps inspired by a rousing dressing-room team talk from their trainer, Valeri Gazzaev, the first ten minutes of the second half saw CSKA grab the initiative. In the 46th minute, Krasic ran the ball into the net, leveling the score, and then, seven minutes later, CSKA's own Brazilian star, Vagner Love, calmly slotted home a penalty.
After going down 2-1 to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands in their first match in Group G, the Russian champions desperately needed a win. But it was not to be. With five minutes left, yet another Brazilian, Daevid, fired in a speculative long-range shot that somehow bounced under CSKA's goalkeeper, Mandrykin, to make it 2-2. Cue delight among the Turkish side's fans.
After the match, Valeri Gazzaev said that two "grave defensive mistakes" had cost his team victory.
CSKA's season would seem to be coming to an inglorious end. Last night's draw leaves the club bottom of Group G, with one point from a possible six, and the 2-1 defeat to Zenit St Petersburg on Saturday means the team has little realistic chance of retaining its Russian title.
The team's next Champion's League match is on October 23, at home to Inter Milan. Victory is essential.
