Aston Villa secured a 1-1 hard-earned draw against tough Russian side CSKA Moscow in the first leg of this Uefa Cup tie, which puts the Villans at a slight disadvantage due to the Russians' away goal, but there is still everything left to play for.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill was full of superlatives for Villa's players  - Stiliyan Petrov, Gareth Barry, Gabby Agbonlahor and Ashley Young - after their impressive performances in the first leg.

He said as quoted by the Aston Villa website: "People talk about effort and endeavour but I take exception about that being mentioned every week.  We have some really, really quality players performing for this football club."

"They, Petrov and the others, are tremendously gifted. Ashley delivers the sort of ball that makes me wish I was still playing. I would score 29 goals per season. He is putting in seriously brilliant deliveries.

"Stiliyan Petrov was simply outstanding, and the same can be said for Gareth Barry"

CSKA Moscow went ahead in the 15th minute with a Vagner Love goal, his ninth so far for the Russian side in the Uefa Cup this season. What made the Russian goal even more impressive was that it was a swift offensive move that started from Vagner Love himself in his own penalty area, who then ran forward and received the ball to slot it home.

Aston Villa fought hard but it was not until the 70th minute that John Carew scored the equaliser for the Birmingham, outfit which has laid the foundations of a mouth-watering, dramatic return leg in the Russian capital. Ashley Young designated his target, then unleashed an immaculate cross which found Gardner and the midfielder set up Carew, who sliced a low shot past goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev from around 10 yards.

Petrov had a very powerful match, working his socks off and always being in the middle of the action. His tireless running contributed greatly to Aston Villa's result and deservedly earned the praise from his manager. Petrov, also managed to get himself booked in the process.

CSKA Moscow's manager Zico, looking for a bright start to his spell in charge of the club, started the mind games before the match by saying that "Aston Villa has lost some of their power" due to their their FA Cup exit to Everton at the weekend.

And there was a ring of truth to his statement as Aston Villa found it difficult for the first 30 minutes of the match to cope with the Russians and their hard, determined and physical defence, which was spiced up with brisk movement and good offensive passing that ultimately led to the visitors opening the score. 

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill said after the match as quoted by the BBC:

"They've scored the away goal and you'd think it was all doom and gloom but it's far from it. I thought we were terrific, although we defended poorly for Love's goal. I thought we deserved to win. We created a great number of chances and played with great spirit."