Spartak Moscow suffered a 5-1 home derby humiliation to Dinamo just ten days before meeting Celtic.
The future of Spanish coach Unai Emery is bound to be the subject of speculation after the derby day massacre in the Luzhiniki Stadium.
Spartak’s hopes of any European football next season are now in serious doubt with Emery admitting after losing 3-0 to Barcelona that securing a European place was his priority.
Dinamo showed no mercy to their city as they raced into a 3-0 half-time lead with the home side’s consolation arriving in stoppage time through substitute Artem Dzyuba.
After the match Dinamo coach Dan Petrescu said: “ “The score speaks for itself that it’s the best game. Maybe it’s even the best in the coach’s career.”
Spartak have won only once in their last five matches and face Celtic next month without the consolation of a Europa League spot to play for.
On Thursday they are at home to third placed Zenit with Emery’s future certain to be under discussion.
To progress in the Champions League Celtic must get a better result at home to Spartak than Benfica achieve away to Barcelona.
Last night Benfica extended their unbeaten run to six matches with a 2-0 home win over Olhanese.
Jesus Jorge’s side are unbeaten domestically and go to the Nou Camp looking for their third consecutive win in the Champions League following wins over Spartak and Celtic.
Barcelona are in action tonight away to Levante with the Catalans also unbeaten domestically.
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