Rubin Kazan look to double up on their historic matchday 3 result on Wednesday when they play host to reigning champions FC Barcelona in Champions League Group F.
The Russians stunned Barcelona, 2-1, at Camp Nou a fortnight ago, and they return home for Wednesday's fixture on the heels of a 4-1 Russian Premier League win over Krylya Sovetov on Friday. Rubin are a point clear of Spartak Moscow at the top of the league table with three matches to play.
Barcelona, meanwhile, look to recover from their embarrassing home loss two weeks ago, but they do so on the heels of a poor result in La Liga. Barça gave away a lead late in a 1-1 draw with Osasuna on Saturday with a Gerard Piqué own goal.
Rubin have no major injury concerns ahead of the match with the exception of Polish midfielder Rafal Murawski, who came off in the first half of Rubin's league match on Friday with a shoulder injury.
Barcelona's only injury concerns are old ones as striker Thierry Henry and defender Gabriel Milito continue to miss game action due to leg injuries.
While Russia is a very difficult trip for any squad to make, Barcelona will be hungry to avenge their home loss two weeks ago. Look for the Blaugrana to come away with valuable points on Wednesday.
REVIEW:
Two weeks after their stunning win in Spain, Russian side Rubin Kazan put together an inspired defensive performance to frustrate FC Barcelona on Wednesday in a 0-0 Champions League draw.
The Russians were on the back foot from the opening whistle, but the Rubin defense rarely let them have solid looks at goal, despite a 3-to-1 possession difference.
Early on, Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent a header off the post, and Xavi missed on an attempted lob of goalkeeper Sergei Ryzhikov. The visitors went to the half frustrated at 0-0.
The second half produced no less agitation for the Catalans as Andrés Iniesta had a great chance blocked by Ryzhikov, and both he and Yaya Touré had efforts stopped later in the half.
The draw leaves Barcelona third in the group on goal difference through four games, behind Rubin on head-to-head.