Rubin Kazan can take a big step toward securing a berth in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday when they host Dynamo Kyiv in a crucial Group F clash.
Rubin have been on a roll lately, earning a win and draw against reigning European champion Barcelona in their last two group outings. They can clinch a berth in the Round of 16 with a win and an Inter Milan win over Barcelona. In addition, Rubin clinched a second straight Russian Premier League title at the weekend in a 0-0 draw with Zenit St. Petersburg.
Dynamo are also at the summit of their domestic league, a full six points in first place after a weekend thrashing of Shakhtar Donetsk. They are currently bottom of Group F, but are only two points behind leaders Inter Milan. They do, however, need to avoid defeat in order to stay alive in the hunt for qualification.
With the league title now in hand, Rubin manager Kurban Berdyev has a full squad at his disposal with no injury worries to report.
Dynamo manager Valeri Gazzaev will be without the influential Olexandr Alivey due to an ankle woe, and Leandro Almeida is suspended for Tuesday's match in Russia. Pape Diakhité is also out of action with a knee injury.
This should be another great, close match that has become commonplace thus far in Group F. Look for Rubin to come out firing after clinching the Russian title.
REVIEW:
Rubin Kazan and Dynamo Kyiv both kept up hope of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday as they played out a 0-0 draw in Group F.
Rubin, who clinched a second straight Russian league title at the weekend, had a chance to go in front on the half hour when Alejandro Domínguez fired at Olexandr Shovkovskiy.
The Ukrainians, though, also enjoyed several looks at goal, including when Artem Milevskiy and Andriy Shevchenko fired off the mark.
Early in the second half, Rubin goalkeeper Sergei Ryzhikov turned around an effort from Gerson Magrão, and Shevchenko sent a shot over the bar.
The Ukrainians pressed hard for a late winner, but Ryzhikov held his ground, allowing both sides to earn a valuable point.