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.
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