Rubin Kazan drew 0-0 at home against Greek side Panathinakos on Tuesday evening, the result making it unlikely the reigning Russian champions will progress to the play-off stages of Europe’s top club competition.
The visitor’s goalkeeper, Alexandros Tzorvas, pulled off some good saves, but Rubin’s customary failure to finish off some neat moves means they will now have to beat Danes Copenhagen in Kazan and repeat their famous 2009 victory at the home of Spanish giants Barcelona to have a hope of making the next stage.
Rubin have failed to score in open play in any of their four games in this season’s Champions League, their only goal coming from a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Barcelona.
The final minutes saw Rubin storm forward, and Sergei Ryzhikov and Cesar Navas spurned clear opportunities for the hosts as the clock ticked down.
FC Copenhagen are currently drawing 1-1 with Barcelona in Denmark.
Group D
Barcelona - 7 (after 3 games)
FC Copenhagen - 6 (after 3 games)
Rubin - 3 (after 4 games)
Panathinakos - 2 (after 4 games)
