2020–21 PFC CSKA Moscow Season
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The 2020–21
PFC CSKA Moscow Professional Football Club CSKA (, derived from the historical name 'Центральный спортивный клуб армии', English language, English: ''Central Sports Club of the Army''), commonly referred to as CSKA Moscow or ''CSK ...
season was the club's 110th season in existence and the 29th consecutive season in the top flight of Russian football. In addition to the domestic league, CSKA Moscow participates in this season's editions of the Russian Cup and
UEFA Europa League The UEFA Europa League (UEL), usually known simply as the Europa League, is an annual association football, football club competition organised since 1971 by the UEFA, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for eligible European footb ...
. The season covers the period from August 2020 to 30 June 2021. CSKA Moscow finished the season in 6th place, were knocked out of the Russian Cup by
Lokomotiv Moscow FC Lokomotiv Moscow (, ) is a Russian professional association football, football club based in Moscow. Lokomotiv have won the Russian Premier League on three occasions; the Soviet Cup twice; and the Russian Cup (football), Russian Cup a record ...
in the semifinals, and finished 4th in their
UEFA Europa League The UEFA Europa League (UEL), usually known simply as the Europa League, is an annual association football, football club competition organised since 1971 by the UEFA, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for eligible European footb ...
group.


Season events


Summer Transfers

On 20 July, Vitali Zhironkin returned to Baltika Kaliningrad on loan for the 2020–21 season. On 31 July, Maksim Yeleyev signed a new contract with CSKA Moscow, until the summer of 2024, and moved to Akron Tolyatti on a season-long loan deal. Also on 31 July, Khetag Khosonov left CSKA to move permanently to
Alania Vladikavkaz FC Alania Vladikavkaz (, ) is a Russian association football, football team from Vladikavkaz. Founded in 1921, the club played in the Soviet Top League during the communist era, and won its first and only league title in the 1995 Russian Top Leag ...
. On 5 August, Cédric Gogoua joined
Rotor Volgograd SC Rotor Volgograd () is a Russian professional football club from the large city of Volgograd, Volgograd Oblast (formerly Stalingrad). The club plays in the second-tier Russian First League, and are the largest and best supported Volgograd club. ...
on a season-long loan deal, with the option to make the move permanent, whilst Ilya Pomazun extended his CSKA contract until the end of the 2024–25 season, and moved to Ural Yekaterinburg on loan for the season. Later the same day, CSKA announced the signing of Adolfo Gaich to a five-year contract, from San Lorenzo. On 7 August, CSKA agreed a new one-year contract with Kirill Nababkin after his previous contract had expired at the end of the previous season. On 11 August,
Lassana N'Diaye Lassana N'Diaye (born 3 October 2000) is a Malian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Qatari Second Division club Mesaimeer. Club career Born in Bamako, after playing for Guidars, N'Diaye turned professional with Russian club C ...
joined Swedish
Superettan Superettan (; ) is an association football league and the second highest league in the Swedish football league system, league system of Swedish football, Swedish men's football. Contested by 16 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and rel ...
club
AFC Eskilstuna Athletic Football Club Eskilstuna, also known as AFC Eskilstuna or simply AFC, is a Swedish professional football club based in Eskilstuna. The club has previously been known under the names FC Café Opera and Väsby United before switching owne ...
on loan for the remainder of 2020. On 12 August,
Timur Zhamaletdinov Timur Abdurashitovich Zhamaletdinov (; born 21 May 1997) is a Russian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Znamya Truda. Club career He made his debut for the main squad of CSKA Moscow in the Russian Cup game against Yenisey ...
was sold to
FC Ufa FC Ufa (, ) is a Football in Russia, Russian football club based in Ufa that plays in the Russian First League. History During the summer of 2010, Rustem Khamitov, the second President of the Bashkortostan, Republic of Bashkortostan, began consi ...
. On 20 August, Gocha Gogrichiani moved to Akron Tolyatti on loan for the season. On 25 August, CSKA announced the signing of Baktiyar Zaynutdinov from
Rostov Rostov-on-Don is a port city and the administrative centre of Rostov Oblast and the Southern Federal District of Russia. It lies in the southeastern part of the East European Plain on the Don River, from the Sea of Azov, directly north of t ...
on a five-year contract, and Bruno Fuchs from Internacional also on a five-year contract. On 28 August, CSKA announced the signing of
Chidera Ejuke Chidera Ejuke (born 2 January 1998) is a Nigerian professional association football, footballer who plays as a Winger (association football), winger for Spanish club Sevilla FC, Sevilla and the Nigeria national football team, Nigeria national t ...
from
SC Heerenveen Sportclub Heerenveen (; West Frisian language, West Frisian: Sportklub It Hearrenfean) is a Dutch professional association football, football club from Heerenveen. They currently play in the Eredivisie, the top level of football in the Netherla ...
on a four-year contract.


August

CSKA opened the season with an away trip to newly promoted
FC Khimki FC Khimki () was a Russian professional football club based in Khimki. History The team was formed in 1996 by merging two amateur clubs from Khimki, Rodina, and Novator. Khimki entered the amateur league and played their first official match on ...
, which they won 2–0 thanks to first half goals from Konstantin Kuchayev and Alan Dzagoev. In CSKA's second game of the season, they defeated
Tambov Tambov ( , ; rus, Тамбов, p=tɐmˈbof) is a types of inhabited localities in Russia, city and the administrative center of Tambov Oblast, Central Federal District, central Russia, at the confluence of the Tsna River (Moksha basin), Tsna ...
2–1, with Kuchayev scoring his second goal of the season and Ilya Shkurin scoring his first for the club. On 19 August, CSKA faced Zenit St.Petersburg in the first ' El-Clasikov' of the season. CSKA lost the match 2–1 to Zenit, with Vlašić scoring CSKA's only goal. On 22 August, CSKA hosted
Rubin Kazan FC Rubin Kazan (; ) is a Russian professional football club based in the city of Kazan. They play in the Russian Premier League. Founded in 1958, Rubin played its first-ever top flight season in 2003. It has remained there through the 2021–2 ...
at the
VEB Arena VEB Arena (), known as Arena CSKA due to UEFA sponsorship regulations, is a multi-use stadium in Khodynka Field, Moscow, Russia, that was completed in 2016. It is used mostly for association football, football matches and host the home matches o ...
, losing 2–1 to a later winner scored by Denis Makarov, after
Nikola Vlašić Nikola Vlašić (; born 4 October 1997) is a Croatian professional Association football, footballer who plays as an Midfielder (association football)#Attacking midfielder, attacking midfielder for Italian Serie A club Torino FC, Torino and the C ...
had cancelled out Soltmurad Bakayev's opener. On 26 August, CSKA traveled to
Krasnodar Krasnodar, formerly Yekaterinodar (until 1920), is the largest city and the administrative centre of Krasnodar Krai, Russia. The city stands on the Kuban River in southern Russia, with a population of 1,154,885 residents, and up to 1.263 millio ...
, drawing 1-1 after Wanderson cancelled out Konstantin Kuchayev's third goal of the season. On 30 August, CSKA faced Akhmat Grozny at the Akhmat-Arena in Grozny, where a first half goal from Konstantin Kuchayev and two late second-half goals from Kristijan Bistrović and
Nikola Vlašić Nikola Vlašić (; born 4 October 1997) is a Croatian professional Association football, footballer who plays as an Midfielder (association football)#Attacking midfielder, attacking midfielder for Italian Serie A club Torino FC, Torino and the C ...
, saw CSKA turn out 3–0 winners.


September

On 11 September,
Nair Tiknizyan Nair Oganesovich Tiknizyan (; ; born 12 May 1999) is a professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Serbian club Red Star Belgrade. Born in Russia, he plays for the Armenia national team. Club career CSKA Moscow Tiknizyan made his ...
signed a new contract with CSKA, until the end of the 2024–25 season. On 13 September, CSKA hosted Spartak Moscow in the first Moscow derby of the season at the
VEB Arena VEB Arena (), known as Arena CSKA due to UEFA sponsorship regulations, is a multi-use stadium in Khodynka Field, Moscow, Russia, that was completed in 2016. It is used mostly for association football, football matches and host the home matches o ...
. Spartak opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Ezequiel Ponce, before Hörður Magnússon and
Nikola Vlašić Nikola Vlašić (; born 4 October 1997) is a Croatian professional Association football, footballer who plays as an Midfielder (association football)#Attacking midfielder, attacking midfielder for Italian Serie A club Torino FC, Torino and the C ...
scored before half-time to give CSKA the lead. In injury time at the end of the match
Chidera Ejuke Chidera Ejuke (born 2 January 1998) is a Nigerian professional association football, footballer who plays as a Winger (association football), winger for Spanish club Sevilla FC, Sevilla and the Nigeria national football team, Nigeria national t ...
scored his first goal for CSKA and to seal a 3–1 victory. On 18 September,
Jaka Bijol Jaka Bijol (born 5 February 1999) is a Slovenian professional association football, footballer who plays as a centre-back for Serie A club Udinese Calcio, Udinese and the Slovenia national football team, Slovenia national team. Initially a defen ...
was loaned to
Hannover 96 Hannoverscher Sportverein von 1896, commonly referred to as Hannover 96 (), is a German professional association football, football club based in the city of Hanover, Lower Saxony. They played in the Bundesliga for a total of 30 years between 19 ...
for one-season. On 20 September, CSKA travelled to Ufa, where a 65th-minute goal from Kristijan Bistrović secured the win for CSKA. On 27 September, CSKA hosted
Lokomotiv Moscow FC Lokomotiv Moscow (, ) is a Russian professional association football, football club based in Moscow. Lokomotiv have won the Russian Premier League on three occasions; the Soviet Cup twice; and the Russian Cup (football), Russian Cup a record ...
in the second Moscow derby of the season.
Fyodor Smolov Fyodor Mikhaylovich Smolov ( rus, Фёдор Миха́йлович Смо́лов, p=ˈfʲɵdər mʲɪˈxajləvʲɪtɕ ˈsmoləf, links=yes; born 9 February 1990) is a Russian professional footballer who plays as a striker. Club career Smolo ...
scored the only goal of the game, whilst Kristijan Bistrović was sent off for two bookable offence with the game ending 1–0 to Lokomotiv.


October

CSKA started October by being drawn into a
Europa League The UEFA Europa League (UEL), usually known simply as the Europa League, is an annual association football, football club competition organised since 1971 by the UEFA, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for eligible European footb ...
group with Wolfsberger AC,
Dinamo Zagreb Građanski nogometni klub Dinamo Zagreb (), commonly referred to as simply Dinamo Zagreb (), is a Croatian professional football club based in Zagreb. Dinamo play their home matches at Stadion Maksimir. They are the most successful club in Cr ...
and
Feyenoord Feyenoord Rotterdam () is a Netherlands, Dutch professional association football, football club based in Rotterdam, which plays in the Eredivisie, the top tier in Dutch football league system, Dutch football. Founded as Wilhelmina in 1908, the ...
on 2 October. The following day, 3 October, CSKA played Ural Yekaterinburg at the Central Stadium in
Yekaterinburg Yekaterinburg (, ; ), alternatively Romanization of Russian, romanized as Ekaterinburg and formerly known as Sverdlovsk ( ; 1924–1991), is a city and the administrative centre of Sverdlovsk Oblast and the Ural Federal District, Russia. The ci ...
and ran out 2–0 winners. After Hörður Magnússon was shown a red card early in the second half, goals from Baktiyar Zaynutdinov and Konstantin Maradishvili gave CSKA the win. Following the international break, CSKA host
Dynamo Moscow MGO VFSO "Dynamo" (), commonly known as Dynamo Moscow (), is a Russian sports club based in Moscow. Founded by Felix Dzerzhinsky on 18 April 1923, Dynamo Moscow was the first institution created from the All-Union Dynamo Sports Club. Dynamo Mosco ...
at the
VEB Arena VEB Arena (), known as Arena CSKA due to UEFA sponsorship regulations, is a multi-use stadium in Khodynka Field, Moscow, Russia, that was completed in 2016. It is used mostly for association football, football matches and host the home matches o ...
on 18 October. After an early Fyodor Chalov goal was ruled out, Konstantin Kuchayev scored his fifth goal of the season to give CSKA the lead in the 51st minute.
Chidera Ejuke Chidera Ejuke (born 2 January 1998) is a Nigerian professional association football, footballer who plays as a Winger (association football), winger for Spanish club Sevilla FC, Sevilla and the Nigeria national football team, Nigeria national t ...
doubled CSKA's lead three minutes later, before Nikola Moro made it three goals in six minutes to make it 2–1. Igor Diveyev scored CSKA's third goal of the game before Roman Yevgenyev was sent off for a second booking, with the game ending 3–1 to CSKA. CSKA traveled to Austria on 22 October to face Wolfsberger AC in the first group match of their
UEFA Europa League The UEFA Europa League (UEL), usually known simply as the Europa League, is an annual association football, football club competition organised since 1971 by the UEFA, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for eligible European footb ...
campaign. Adolfo Gaich opened the scoring with his first goal for the club in fifth minute, before a forty-second-minute penalty from
Michael Liendl Michael Liendl (born 25 October 1985) is a retired Austrian professional association football player who was the central midfielder for WAC. Club career Liendl started his career playing for FC Nenzing and FC Thüringen. Later on, he played fo ...
, after a
Viktor Vasin Viktor Vladimirovich Vasin (; born 6 October 1988) is a Russian former professional association football, footballer who played as a centre-back. Career Club On 26 April 2019, Vasin signed a new contract with PFC CSKA Moscow, CSKA Moscow, keep ...
foul, levelled the scoring. With neither side finding the net in the second half, the game finished 1–1. On 26 October, CSKA hosted Arsenal Tula at the
VEB Arena VEB Arena (), known as Arena CSKA due to UEFA sponsorship regulations, is a multi-use stadium in Khodynka Field, Moscow, Russia, that was completed in 2016. It is used mostly for association football, football matches and host the home matches o ...
, with Fyodor Chalov opening the scoring in stoppage time at the end of the first half from the penalty spot. In the second, CSKA continued their scoring with
Nikola Vlašić Nikola Vlašić (; born 4 October 1997) is a Croatian professional Association football, footballer who plays as an Midfielder (association football)#Attacking midfielder, attacking midfielder for Italian Serie A club Torino FC, Torino and the C ...
scoring a brace before Luka Đorđević pulled one back for Arsenal Tula and
Arnór Sigurðsson Arnór Sigurðsson (born 15 May 1999) is an Icelandic professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Allsvenskan club Malmö FF and the Iceland national team. Club career Norrköping Arnór was described as a key player for ...
and Ivan Oblyakov rounded off the scoring to see CSKA run out 5–1 winner. Three days later, 29 October, CSKA played out a 0–0 draw with
Dinamo Zagreb Građanski nogometni klub Dinamo Zagreb (), commonly referred to as simply Dinamo Zagreb (), is a Croatian professional football club based in Zagreb. Dinamo play their home matches at Stadion Maksimir. They are the most successful club in Cr ...
at the
VEB Arena VEB Arena (), known as Arena CSKA due to UEFA sponsorship regulations, is a multi-use stadium in Khodynka Field, Moscow, Russia, that was completed in 2016. It is used mostly for association football, football matches and host the home matches o ...
in the second game day of the
UEFA Europa League The UEFA Europa League (UEL), usually known simply as the Europa League, is an annual association football, football club competition organised since 1971 by the UEFA, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for eligible European footb ...
.


November

CSKA travelled to
Rotor Volgograd SC Rotor Volgograd () is a Russian professional football club from the large city of Volgograd, Volgograd Oblast (formerly Stalingrad). The club plays in the second-tier Russian First League, and are the largest and best supported Volgograd club. ...
on 1 November, winning 1–0 thanks to a first-half goal from Alan Dzagoev. On 4 November, CSKA extended their contract with Vadim Karpov until the summer of 2025. The following day, 5 November, CSKA faced
Feyenoord Feyenoord Rotterdam () is a Netherlands, Dutch professional association football, football club based in Rotterdam, which plays in the Eredivisie, the top tier in Dutch football league system, Dutch football. Founded as Wilhelmina in 1908, the ...
at
De Kuip Stadion Feijenoord (), more commonly known by its nickname De Kuip (, the Tub), is a stadium in Rotterdam, Netherlands. It was completed in 1937. The name is derived from the Feijenoord district in Rotterdam, and from the club with the same na ...
in their third
UEFA Europa League The UEFA Europa League (UEL), usually known simply as the Europa League, is an annual association football, football club competition organised since 1971 by the UEFA, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for eligible European footb ...
match. Feyenoord won the match 3–1, with CSKA's consolation goal coming from a Marcos Senesi own goal in the 80th minute, leaving CSKA at the bottom of Group K on 2 points at the half was point of the group stages. On 8 November, CSKA hosted
Rostov Rostov-on-Don is a port city and the administrative centre of Rostov Oblast and the Southern Federal District of Russia. It lies in the southeastern part of the East European Plain on the Don River, from the Sea of Azov, directly north of t ...
at the
VEB Arena VEB Arena (), known as Arena CSKA due to UEFA sponsorship regulations, is a multi-use stadium in Khodynka Field, Moscow, Russia, that was completed in 2016. It is used mostly for association football, football matches and host the home matches o ...
, winning 2–0 with a goal in each half. Konstantin Kuchayev scored his sixth of the season with a deflected shot past Sergei Pesyakov, before
Roman Eremenko Roman Alekseyevich Eremenko (; born 19 March 1987) is a professional association football, footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Veikkausliiga club IF Gnistan. Born in Russia, he represents Finland at international level. Eremenko ...
missed a penalty for Rostov, and Fyodor Chalov sealed the victory for CSKA in the 74th minute. On 20 November, CSKA extended their contract with Fyodor Chalov until the summer of 2024. On 22 November, CSKA hosted
Sochi Sochi ( rus, Сочи, p=ˈsotɕɪ, a=Ru-Сочи.ogg, from  – ''seaside'') is the largest Resort town, resort city in Russia. The city is situated on the Sochi (river), Sochi River, along the Black Sea in the North Caucasus of Souther ...
at the
VEB Arena VEB Arena (), known as Arena CSKA due to UEFA sponsorship regulations, is a multi-use stadium in Khodynka Field, Moscow, Russia, that was completed in 2016. It is used mostly for association football, football matches and host the home matches o ...
in the 15th round of the Russian Premier League. The match ended 1-1, with
Arnór Sigurðsson Arnór Sigurðsson (born 15 May 1999) is an Icelandic professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Allsvenskan club Malmö FF and the Iceland national team. Club career Norrköping Arnór was described as a key player for ...
giving CSKA the lead in the 5th minute and Nikita Burmistrov equalising for Sochi in the 23rd minute. Four days later, CSKA drew 0–0 at home to
Feyenoord Feyenoord Rotterdam () is a Netherlands, Dutch professional association football, football club based in Rotterdam, which plays in the Eredivisie, the top tier in Dutch football league system, Dutch football. Founded as Wilhelmina in 1908, the ...
in the Europa League. CSKA suffered their first league defeat in six games on 29 November, losing 1–0 to
Rubin Kazan FC Rubin Kazan (; ) is a Russian professional football club based in the city of Kazan. They play in the Russian Premier League. Founded in 1958, Rubin played its first-ever top flight season in 2003. It has remained there through the 2021–2 ...
at the
Ak Bars Arena Ak Bars Arena (; , formerly known as Kazan Arena (; )) is a stadium in Kazan, Russia. It was completed in July 2013, and hosts association football, football matches, especially FC Rubin Kazan's home games in the Russian Premier League. The sta ...
.


December

CSKA were knocked out of the
UEFA Europa League The UEFA Europa League (UEL), usually known simply as the Europa League, is an annual association football, football club competition organised since 1971 by the UEFA, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for eligible European footb ...
with one group remaining on 3 December, after suffering a 1–0 home defeat to Wolfsberger AC. The following day, 4 December, Kristijan Bistrović extended his contract with CSKA until the summer of 2025. On 6 December, CSKA hosted
Khimki Khimki (, ) is a city in Moscow Oblast, Russia. It is located approximately northwest from central Moscow, and is part of the Moscow metropolitan area. History Origins and formation Khimki was initially a railway station that had existed sin ...
at the
VEB Arena VEB Arena (), known as Arena CSKA due to UEFA sponsorship regulations, is a multi-use stadium in Khodynka Field, Moscow, Russia, that was completed in 2016. It is used mostly for association football, football matches and host the home matches o ...
. After
Nikola Vlašić Nikola Vlašić (; born 4 October 1997) is a Croatian professional Association football, footballer who plays as an Midfielder (association football)#Attacking midfielder, attacking midfielder for Italian Serie A club Torino FC, Torino and the C ...
initially gave CSKA the lead in the first half, Khimki scored twice within 5 minutes through Ilya Kukharchuk and Reziuan Mirzov at the start of the second half before Ilya Shkurin rounded off the scoring with an equaliser for CSKA in the 54th minute. On 10 December, CSKA traveled to
Zagreb Zagreb ( ) is the capital (political), capital and List of cities and towns in Croatia#List of cities and towns, largest city of Croatia. It is in the Northern Croatia, north of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the ...
to face
Dinamo Zagreb Građanski nogometni klub Dinamo Zagreb (), commonly referred to as simply Dinamo Zagreb (), is a Croatian professional football club based in Zagreb. Dinamo play their home matches at Stadion Maksimir. They are the most successful club in Cr ...
in their last Europa League group match, losing 3–1 with Kristijan Bistrović scoring CSKA's consolation goal. Three days later, 13 December, CSKA hosted Ural Yekaterinburg at the VEB Arena. Ilya Shkurin gave CSKA the lead in the 12th minute before Andrei Yegorychev equalised in the 31st minute to end the first half 1-1. In the second half,
Pavel Pogrebnyak Pavel Viktorovich Pogrebnyak ( ; born 8 November 1983) is a Russian former professional footballer who played as a striker. Born in Moscow, Pogrebnyak began his career at Spartak Moscow, making his professional debut in 2002. Over the next th ...
was sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession before
Nikola Vlašić Nikola Vlašić (; born 4 October 1997) is a Croatian professional Association football, footballer who plays as an Midfielder (association football)#Attacking midfielder, attacking midfielder for Italian Serie A club Torino FC, Torino and the C ...
restored CSKA's lead from the penalty spot in the 61st minute. Ihor Kalinin scored a 90th-minute equaliser for Ural, before Shkurin received a straight red card for a challenge and the game ending 2-2 and extending CSKA's win-less streak to 7 games. On 17 December, CSKA travelled to the
Rostov Arena Rostov Arena () is an association football stadium in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. It was one of the venues for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It also hosts FC Rostov of the Russian Premier League, replacing Olimp – 2. It has a capacity of 45,000 spectato ...
to face
Rostov Rostov-on-Don is a port city and the administrative centre of Rostov Oblast and the Southern Federal District of Russia. It lies in the southeastern part of the East European Plain on the Don River, from the Sea of Azov, directly north of t ...
in their last game of 2020. A
hat-trick A hat-trick or hat trick is the achievement of a generally positive feat three times in a match, or another achievement based on the number three. Origin The term first appeared in 1858 in cricket, to describe H. H. Stephenson taking three Wick ...
from Fyodor Chalov secured all three points for CSKA, with Aleksei Kozlov scoring a consolation goal for Rostov.


January

On 13 January, Vitali Zhironkin returned to CSKA after his loan deal to Baltika Kaliningrad was ended early. On 21 January, CSKA Moscow signed defender Aleksei Sukharev from Avangard Kursk after he'd previously spent time on loan at CSKA during the 2019–20 season. The following day, 22 January, Kristijan Bistrović moved to Kasımpaşa on loan for the remainder of the season, with an option for the transfer to be made permanent. On 30 January, Adolfo Gaich joined
Benevento Benevento ( ; , ; ) is a city and (municipality) of Campania, Italy, capital of the province of Benevento, northeast of Naples. It is situated on a hill above sea level at the confluence of the Calore Irpino (or Beneventano) and the Sabato (r ...
on loan for the remainder of the season.


February

On 1 February, Vitali Zhironkin joined KAMAZ on loan for the remainder of the season. On 11 February,
Takuma Nishimura was a Japanese army general in the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II, active in the invasion and occupation of British Malaya. After the Japanese surrender, he was tried and convicted in British Singapore as a war criminal for his r ...
joined
Vegalta Sendai is a Japanese professional association football, football club based in Sendai, Miyagi, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. They currently play in J2 League, the Japanese second tier of professional football. History Founded in 1988 as ''Tohoku Elect ...
permanently having been on loan at the club for the previous season. On 15 February, CSKA announced the signing of Emil Bohinen from Stabæk on a contract until the end of the 2024/25 season, and the loan signing of Salomón Rondón from Dalian Professional. On 18 February, Mário Fernandes extended his contract with CSKA until the summer of 2024. On 20 February, Tigran Avanesyan joined
Tambov Tambov ( , ; rus, Тамбов, p=tɐmˈbof) is a types of inhabited localities in Russia, city and the administrative center of Tambov Oblast, Central Federal District, central Russia, at the confluence of the Tsna River (Moksha basin), Tsna ...
on loan for the remainder of the season. On 21 February, CSKA hosted SKA-Khabarovsk in the Last 16 round of the Russian Cup. A first half goal from Ilzat Akhmetov and a second half goal from
Nikola Vlašić Nikola Vlašić (; born 4 October 1997) is a Croatian professional Association football, footballer who plays as an Midfielder (association football)#Attacking midfielder, attacking midfielder for Italian Serie A club Torino FC, Torino and the C ...
gave CSKA a 2–0 victory over the FNL side. On 22 February, Maksim Yeleyev joined Yenisey Krasnoyarsk on loan for the remainder of the season. On 25 February, transfer deadline day,
Lassana N'Diaye Lassana N'Diaye (born 3 October 2000) is a Malian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Qatari Second Division club Mesaimeer. Club career Born in Bamako, after playing for Guidars, N'Diaye turned professional with Russian club C ...
joined Veles Moscow on loan for the remainder of the season, and Nikita Kotin joined Irtysh Omsk on a similar deal, whilst Ilya Pomazun had returned early from his loan to Ural Yekaterinburg. On 27 February, CSKA faced
Lokomotiv Moscow FC Lokomotiv Moscow (, ) is a Russian professional association football, football club based in Moscow. Lokomotiv have won the Russian Premier League on three occasions; the Soviet Cup twice; and the Russian Cup (football), Russian Cup a record ...
in their first Russian Premier League game after the winter break. First half goals from Vitaly Lisakovich and
Grzegorz Krychowiak Grzegorz Krychowiak (; born 29 January 1990) is a Polish professional Association football, footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Cypriot First Division club Anorthosis Famagusta FC, Anorthosis Famagusta. Beginning his senior caree ...
secured the win for Lokomotiv.


March

On 6 March, CSKA hosted Akhmat Grozny at the
VEB Arena VEB Arena (), known as Arena CSKA due to UEFA sponsorship regulations, is a multi-use stadium in Khodynka Field, Moscow, Russia, that was completed in 2016. It is used mostly for association football, football matches and host the home matches o ...
, winning 2–0 after goals from Salomón Rondón and
Nikola Vlašić Nikola Vlašić (; born 4 October 1997) is a Croatian professional Association football, footballer who plays as an Midfielder (association football)#Attacking midfielder, attacking midfielder for Italian Serie A club Torino FC, Torino and the C ...
. On 13 March, CSKA faced Arsenal Tula at the
Arsenal Stadium Arsenal Stadium was a Association football, football stadium in Highbury, London, which was the home of Arsenal F.C., Arsenal Football Club between 6 September 1913 and 7 May 2006. It was popularly known as "Highbury" from the name of the di ...
, losing 2–1. Arsenal took a 2–0 half time lead through goal from Vladislav Panteleyev and Aleksandr Lomovitsky, before
Nair Tiknizyan Nair Oganesovich Tiknizyan (; ; born 12 May 1999) is a professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Serbian club Red Star Belgrade. Born in Russia, he plays for the Armenia national team. Club career CSKA Moscow Tiknizyan made his ...
scored a late conciliation goal and Aleksandr Dovbnya and Valeriy Gromyko were sent off. On 17 March, CSKA hosted Zenit St.Petersburg at the
VEB Arena VEB Arena (), known as Arena CSKA due to UEFA sponsorship regulations, is a multi-use stadium in Khodynka Field, Moscow, Russia, that was completed in 2016. It is used mostly for association football, football matches and host the home matches o ...
, losing 3–2. CSKA took the lead through former Zenit striker Salomón Rondón in the 28th minute, with Artem Dzyuba equalising in the 33rd minute before missing a penalty in the 45th minute. In the second half Wendel scored twice, with Ilzat Akhmetov being sent-off for CSKA in between the two goals, before
Nikola Vlašić Nikola Vlašić (; born 4 October 1997) is a Croatian professional Association football, footballer who plays as an Midfielder (association football)#Attacking midfielder, attacking midfielder for Italian Serie A club Torino FC, Torino and the C ...
scored a stoppage time penalty to end the match 3–2. On 22 March,
Viktor Goncharenko Viktar Mihailavich Hancharenka (; , ''Viktor Mikhailovich Goncharenko''; born 10 June 1977), is a Belarusian football manager. Early life and career Formative years and education Viktar Mihailavich Hancharenka was born in 1977 to a middle- ...
left his role as Head Coach of CSKA Moscow by mutual consent. The following day, 23 March, CSKA announced Ivica Olić as their new Head Coach.


April

On 4 April, new Head Coach, Ivica Olić, took charge of his first game for CSKA, away to
Tambov Tambov ( , ; rus, Тамбов, p=tɐmˈbof) is a types of inhabited localities in Russia, city and the administrative center of Tambov Oblast, Central Federal District, central Russia, at the confluence of the Tsna River (Moksha basin), Tsna ...
. After Artyom Arkhipov game Tambov the lead from the penalty spot in the 16th minute,
Nikola Vlašić Nikola Vlašić (; born 4 October 1997) is a Croatian professional Association football, footballer who plays as an Midfielder (association football)#Attacking midfielder, attacking midfielder for Italian Serie A club Torino FC, Torino and the C ...
equalised from the penalty spot 10 minutes later before Salomón Rondón also scored from the spot in the 52nd minute. Vlašić would later miss another penalty in the 64th minute, with the match ending 2–1 to CSKA. 4 days later, 8 April, CSKA played Arsenal Tula at the
Arsenal Stadium Arsenal Stadium was a Association football, football stadium in Highbury, London, which was the home of Arsenal F.C., Arsenal Football Club between 6 September 1913 and 7 May 2006. It was popularly known as "Highbury" from the name of the di ...
in the Russian Cup. After falling behind to a Yevgeni Lutsenko first-half goal, Vadim Karpov equalised early in the second half, before Lutsenko was then sent-off and Mário Fernandes sealed the win in the 86th minute, to send CSKA through to the semifinal of the Cup. CSKA hosted
Rotor Volgograd SC Rotor Volgograd () is a Russian professional football club from the large city of Volgograd, Volgograd Oblast (formerly Stalingrad). The club plays in the second-tier Russian First League, and are the largest and best supported Volgograd club. ...
on 12 April at the VEB Arena. After
Chidera Ejuke Chidera Ejuke (born 2 January 1998) is a Nigerian professional association football, footballer who plays as a Winger (association football), winger for Spanish club Sevilla FC, Sevilla and the Nigeria national football team, Nigeria national t ...
gave CSKA the lead just before half-time, Salomón Rondón doubled CSKA's lead in the 70th minute to earn CSKA a 2–0 victory over Rotor to leave them fourth in the table. On 18 April, CSKA traveled to Sochi to face
PFC Sochi Football Club Sochi (), is a Russian professional football club based in Sochi. The club is playing its home matches at the 47,000-capacity Fisht Stadium. History FC Sochi was founded on 4 July 2018 after the relocation of FC Dynamo Saint Pete ...
, where Igor Diveyev's second half goal wasn't enough to prevent Sochi winning 2–1, leaving CSKA 5th in the table. On 21 April, CSKA faced
Lokomotiv Moscow FC Lokomotiv Moscow (, ) is a Russian professional association football, football club based in Moscow. Lokomotiv have won the Russian Premier League on three occasions; the Soviet Cup twice; and the Russian Cup (football), Russian Cup a record ...
in the semifinal of the Russian Cup at the
RZD Arena RZD Arena () is a association football, football stadium in Moscow, Russia. Formerly known as ''Lokomotiv Stadium'', it is the home stadium of FC Lokomotiv Moscow, Lokomotiv Moscow and was the home ground of the Russia national football team, Rus ...
. François Kamano gave Lokomotiv the lead in the 16th minute, after Salomón Rondón had earlier had a goal ruled out.
Fyodor Smolov Fyodor Mikhaylovich Smolov ( rus, Фёдор Миха́йлович Смо́лов, p=ˈfʲɵdər mʲɪˈxajləvʲɪtɕ ˈsmoləf, links=yes; born 9 February 1990) is a Russian professional footballer who plays as a striker. Club career Smolo ...
extended Lokomotiv's lead early in the second half before
Grzegorz Krychowiak Grzegorz Krychowiak (; born 29 January 1990) is a Polish professional Association football, footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Cypriot First Division club Anorthosis Famagusta FC, Anorthosis Famagusta. Beginning his senior caree ...
sealed the victory for Lokomotiv in injury time, and knock CSKA out of the Cup. On 25 April, CSKA lost their third game in a row under Ivica Olić, losing 1–0 to Spartak Moscow at the
Otkritie Arena Lukoil Arena (), former Otkritie Bank Arena () and Otkritie Arena (), also known as Spartak Stadium () (the stadium's official name during the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2018 FIFA World Cup), is a multi-purpose stadium north-west of Moscow ...
after Ilzat Akhmetov was sentoff in the first half and Jordan Larsson scored the only goal of the game in the second half, leaving CSKA 6th in the table.


May

On 1 May, CSKA hosted Ufa at the
VEB Arena VEB Arena (), known as Arena CSKA due to UEFA sponsorship regulations, is a multi-use stadium in Khodynka Field, Moscow, Russia, that was completed in 2016. It is used mostly for association football, football matches and host the home matches o ...
. Filip Mrzljak gave Ufa the lead in the 66th minute before Fyodor Chalov equalised 5 minutes later for CSKA to end the game 1–1. On 8 May, CSKA hosted
Krasnodar Krasnodar, formerly Yekaterinodar (until 1920), is the largest city and the administrative centre of Krasnodar Krai, Russia. The city stands on the Kuban River in southern Russia, with a population of 1,154,885 residents, and up to 1.263 millio ...
in their last home game of the season. Viktor Claesson gave Krasnodar the lead in the 26th minute, with
Chidera Ejuke Chidera Ejuke (born 2 January 1998) is a Nigerian professional association football, footballer who plays as a Winger (association football), winger for Spanish club Sevilla FC, Sevilla and the Nigeria national football team, Nigeria national t ...
equalising six minutes later. Fyodor Chalov gave CSKA the lead in the 56th minute before Mário Fernandes finished off the scoring in the 69th minute to give CSKA a 3–1 victory and leaving them in 6th position going in to the last game of the season, 2 points off the European places. On 16 May, CSKA ended their season with a 3–2 away defeat to
Dynamo Moscow MGO VFSO "Dynamo" (), commonly known as Dynamo Moscow (), is a Russian sports club based in Moscow. Founded by Felix Dzerzhinsky on 18 April 1923, Dynamo Moscow was the first institution created from the All-Union Dynamo Sports Club. Dynamo Mosco ...
, which left them finishing sixth in the league.
Nair Tiknizyan Nair Oganesovich Tiknizyan (; ; born 12 May 1999) is a professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Serbian club Red Star Belgrade. Born in Russia, he plays for the Armenia national team. Club career CSKA Moscow Tiknizyan made his ...
gave CSKA the lead in the first half, before two goals from Vyacheslav Grulyov gave Dynamo Moscow the lead.
Chidera Ejuke Chidera Ejuke (born 2 January 1998) is a Nigerian professional association football, footballer who plays as a Winger (association football), winger for Spanish club Sevilla FC, Sevilla and the Nigeria national football team, Nigeria national t ...
equalised for CSKA in the 79th minute before Arsen Zakharyan won it for Dynamo in the 89th minute.


Squad


Out on loan


Transfers


In


Loans in


Out


Loans out


Released


Trial


Friendlies


Competitions


Overview


Premier League


League table


Results summary


Results by round


Results


Russian Cup


UEFA Europa League


Group stage


Squad statistics


Appearances and goals

, - , colspan="14", ''Players away from the club on loan:'' , - , colspan="14", ''Players who left CSKA Moscow during the season:''


Goal scorers


Clean sheets


Disciplinary record


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:2020-21 PFC CSKA Moscow season PFC CSKA Moscow seasons
CSKA Moscow CSKA Moscow () is a Russian sports club based in Moscow. It was created in 1911 in the Russian Empire on base of OLLS (Skiing Society, founded 1901). Later, during the Soviet Union, Soviet era, it was the central part of the Armed Forces (sports ...
CSKA Moscow CSKA Moscow () is a Russian sports club based in Moscow. It was created in 1911 in the Russian Empire on base of OLLS (Skiing Society, founded 1901). Later, during the Soviet Union, Soviet era, it was the central part of the Armed Forces (sports ...