"Alania Vladikavkaz qualified for Europe last season through the Russian Cup despite not winning a single game or even scoring a goal," writes Graham. "They qualified for the final through three 0-0 draws (all won on penalties) plus a quarter-final walkover against Saturn, who went out of business just before the tie was due to take place. They met CSKA Moscow in the final, where they did finally score a goal, but lost 2-1. With CSKA already in a Champions League place, this stunningly tedious cup run means they started their barely-deserved Europa League campaign by beating Aktobe of Kazakhstan ... but only on penalties after two 1-1 draws."
So they got to the final without scoring, only to lose faith in Plan A once they were there, score and lose. Kids, there's a lesson to be learnt here: never score.