Wednesday, 17th March 2010

CSKA Moscow booked their place in the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in their club’s history, thanks to thunderous free-kick from January signing Keisuke Honda. The Japanese international, it was revealed after the match, was initially hesitant to take the responsibility, and had to be convinced by winger Mark Gonzalez to take what would be the decisive goal in the tie.

"Honda didn’t really want to take the kick," Gonzàlez told UEFA.com, smiling. "He thought [Tomas] 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.”

With his stunning goal, Honda has cemented his place in Japanese football history, becoming the first player to reach the Champions League quarterfinals, and also the only one from his nation to score in the knock-out stages.

 

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