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Champions League

Wolfsburg flew to Russia in preparation for a game which can provide them with the greatest satisfaction in their 64-year existence.

A win or even a draw at CSKA Moscow tomorrow night would secure the Bundesliga champions' place in the last 16 of the Champions League in their first ever season in Europe's elite competition.

"Everybody knows that is at stake at CSKA," said defender Sascha Riether on the club's website.

"Reaching the knockout phase was the aim we set ourselves and now we can do that early, and off our own backs."

The Wolves arrived in Russia one day earlier than they would usually arrive for a Champions League game.

This was to enable them an extra training session in a climate which promises to be different to that they are used to in northern Germany, and on an artificial pitch like the one inside the Luzhniki Stadium tomorrow night.

What they cannot simulate is the atmosphere of 80,000 expectant supporters since Moscow know that a win would thrust them back into the running to join Manchester United in the last 16.

"Of course it is going to be a tough game," admitted Wolfsburg's playmaker Zvjezdan Misimovic.

"CSKA Moscow will want to take their last chance of reaching the next round, but we have done better away from home lately."

Wolfsburg will be without striker Grafite, who is suspended. Obafemi Martins should take his place, partnering Edin Dzeko in the attack.

"I am really sad not to be able to play, but I am certain that the team can play well without me," said the Brazilian, who was on target in Saturday's unexpected 3-2 defeat at home to Nurnberg in the Bundesliga.

"We have certainly got to do better than that on Wednesday," added Grafite.

CSKA were also involved in a five-goal thriller this weekend, although they were celebrating at the end with a 3-2 win over city rivals Spartak Moscow which will have boosted their confidence ahead of tomorrow night's game.

That result would have been even more satisfying as it ended Spartak's hopes of catching Rubin Kazan, who were consequently crowned Russian champions for the second year running.

CSKA, meanwhile, moved up to fifth in the table thanks to a late striker from Thomas Necid.

Coach Leonid Slutski will be without the suspended Deividas Semberas in his defence while Mark Gonzalez and Guilherme are both injured.

Sekou Oliseh made his return from a hip injury at the weekend, but was forced to limp out just before his side's winner and he remains a doubt for tomorrow.