Chidera Ejuke on target as CSKA miss out on Europe after thrilling Moscow derby loss to fierce foes Dinamo

The young Nigerian forward was on the score sheet for his club, but it was not enough as their city rivals bagged the bragging rights to close the 2020/21 season

Chidera Ejuke grabbed CSKA Moscow’s second goal of the game, but Arsen Zakharyan’s late finish helped Dinamo Moscow claim a 3-2 victory over their eternal city foes. 

There was nothing but pride and bragging rights at stake for Dinamo when CSKA arrived at the VTB Arena for their final match of the 2020/21 season, with the visitors needing a win to qualify for the Europa League.

And it started well for the Red-Blues when Nayair Tiknizyan gave them an early advantage in the first half, but a Vyacheslav Grulev brace after the hour mark turn the tie in favour of the home side.

Former Heerenveen ace Ejuke then thought he had secured a point for Ivica Olic’s men with a fine strike ten minutes from time.

But Zakharyan fired in a late winning goal that condemned CSKA to their tenth loss of the season, denying them the chance of playing continental football next term.

Both sides finished a disappointing campaign on 50 points for the season, a significant 15 points behind champions Zenit St. Petersburg.

Even Ejuke will reflect on a less-than-impressive contribution to the Red-Blues’ cause. The 23-year-old joined CSKA Moscow from Heerenveen for 11.5 million euros in the summer but has just four goals in 25 league matches.

The Super Eagles star netted nine Eredivisie goals in 25 matches last term before completing his move to Russia.