Japan international Keisuke Honda was the catalyst as Russian outfit CSKA Moscow came from behind to defeat Italian club Palermo 3-1 in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The 24-year old striker struck a left-footer with force in the 47th minute to get his side back on level terms after Massimo Maccarone's 10th minute opener.

Tomas Necid gave CSKA the lead three minutes later before Honda turned provider for the Czech attacker to grab his second and complete a come from behind win against the ten-man Italians who had Antonio Nocerino sent off just after the half-hour mark.

The win allowed CSKA to stretch their lead in Group F to five points and qualify for the Round of 32.