European Champions League

Rubin Kazan 0 - Barcelona 0

Rubin: Ryzhikov; Salukvadze, Sharonov, César Navas, Ansaldi; Noboa, Semak; Ryazantsev, Karadeniz (Bukharov 61'), Kaleshin; Domínguez. 4-2-3-1.
Barcelona: Víctor Valdés; Dani Alves, Puyol, Piqué, Abidal; Xavi, Touré Yaya, Keita (Henry 80'); Messi, Ibrahimovic, Iniesta. 4-3-3.

Goals: None.

Spanish sides appear to have stagnated in the last two rounds of Champions League ties, and Barcelona were the third to share the points this week after a 0-0 draw in sub-zero temperatures at Rubin Kazan. The Russian side had surprised Pep Guardiola's team in the Nou Camp a couple of weeks ago, and once again a well organised defence prevented the defending champions from scoring.

Things could have been different had Ibrahimovic's shot gone in rather than bouncing away off the post in the third minute, but after that local keeper Rhyzikov was scarcely troubled. Xavi, Messi and Keita did try their luck as Barça dominated the play, and substitute Henry could have done better with a couple of late chances. But Valdés had some work to do as well, keeping out Ryazantsev before the break, and making a couple of first class saves from bustling substitute Bukharov in the second half.

A win and a draw in their last two games against Inter Milan and Dynamo Kiev would still see Barcelona through, but with the head-to-head record against Rubin now against them, anything less and they could be out at the first hurdle.