UEFA Champions League: Rubin Kazan vs. Barcelona – Full Time Report (Part 2)
Lionel Messi wasn't seen as a "striker" during the game as he was only passing the ball around and was not even running the way he mostly does at the top of his game. However, his presence was well felt as his inclusion in the team helped them make better opportunities on goal.
During the 70th minute Messi was the one who finally got a shot on goal when a lovely ball from Busquets found his feet right in front of the goalkeeper. Sadly, the Argentinean only managed to hit the goalkeeper as the ball went outside for a goal kick.
During the 73rd minute, Lionel Messi was fouled by Cristian Ansaldi right outside the 18 yard box as the Argentinean was seen cutting in for his favourite left footed shot. However, the striker fell down as his left foot was taken by Ansaldi, and Messi took the free kick himself while the Russian defender was given a yellow card.
With fifteen minutes remaining in the game, Barcelona were still passing the ball around like they were when the game started and they barely looked tired as the players did not really make long runs and only stood to move the ball around.
The very next minute, Messi outran all the defenders and looked for support inside the 18 yard box crossing the ball to find David Villa who only managed to shoot it out for a throw in. However, the throw in from the Russian Champions was intercepted by Maxwell who crossed the ball to Messi who gave it to Pedro. Pedro crossed it inside to find Pique, but his first touch wasn't good enough to score a goal and the ball went outside for a goal kick.
The newly introduced MacBeth Sibaya was booked for a late challenge on Sergio Busquets during the 79th minute of the game. With 10 minutes remaining in the game Barcelona were not looking desperate for a win neither were the home side as they were too busy defending the "mighty" Barcelona striking force that now had Lionel Messi as well.
The former Newcastle man Martins was being a constant threat because of his fabulous pace. He often managed to outrun Barcelona's defence to take shots on goal but unluckily he never found the target.
With 6 minutes remaining in the game David Villa was substituted for the 20 year old Spanish international Bojan Krkic. Even though his season has not been going the way he planned it to go, the youngest goal scorer for Barcelona has still taken a lot of shots on goal.
On the other hand, Rubin Kazan had a great chance to score a goal as Martins found himself at the end of Kaleshin's cross. The header by the former Newcastle man only found the pole but the chance was threatening enough.
The goal scorer for the Russian side Noboa was substituted during the 89th minute as Barcelona were about to take a corner that was won by Bojan.
Three extra minutes were given by the 4th official to end the game while both the sides were trying to find a goal for themselves. Another free kick was given away by Gerard Pique during the 91stminute as he made a challenge on Murawski to earn himself a yellow card.
The free kick looked to be from a dangerous position but the ball flew away after it was taken by Cesar Navas. On the other hand Barcelona passed their towards the goal and later in the 93rd minute Barcelona got the last chance of the game as Andres Iniesta found himself in front of goal but his curled shot from the right foot only found the cross bar.
The match ended with Barcelona being on level terms with the Russian champions and history repeated itself in Kazan as Barcelona drew with Rubin Kazan again.
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