UEFA Champions League: Rubin Kazan vs. Barcelona – Half Time Report
The match started off on a cold rainy evening as the Russian Champions Rubin Kazan were ready to entertain the Spanish Champions Barcelona. Last year the match ended in a goalless draw but this time round things were quiet different for both the teams. The major factor was Barcelona's main man Lionel Messi not being featured as a first team player, however the newly signed David Villa was included in the first team.
Messi is not included in the squad because of obvious reasons. With Lionel Messi out, Pedro Rodriguez, Andres Iniesta and David Villa were the "striking force" for Barcelona. The newly signed Javier Mascherano missed out on most of the matches that Barcelona played in La Liga, but he was included in the squad along with Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets featuring in the midfield as well. Even though Eric Abidal was included in the players that went out to Russia to play against Rubin Kazan, he still did not feature in the starting lineup as the Brazilian defender Maxwell playing as the left back for the Spanish Champions while Gerard Pique, Carlos Puyol and Dani Alves were playing in their favourite defensive position. Victor Valdes was the number 1 for Barcelona as he featured as a goalkeeper for the Spanish giants.
Barcelona were following their "tiki taka" football while Rubin Kazan were adopting a more defensive style of play. However, their counter attacking was coming into effect as they constantly played long balls towards the danger area of Barcelona and won an early corner in the 7th minute of the game. The corner was headed away by Pique and another corner was to be taken by the Russians. It was taken short and the chance was wasted by them as Noboa gave a "bad pass" into the 18 yard box that flew outside.
Despite the "cold weather" and unfavourable conditions, Barcelona kept on playing the way they always do and they passed the ball around to score add away goals to their side. David Villa fouled the defender in the danger area and his try flew off as the referee blew the whistle for a free kick. Villa was red carded in the Spanish League fixture against Athletic Bilbao that Barcelona played this Sunday.
Barcelona were playing simple passes in the oppositions' half and were not letting the home side touch the ball. Till the 12th minute, Barcelona had 80% of the ball and it was the same minute when Pedro got a fabulous ball from David Villa but he only managed to hit the cross bar as the wood work was there to help the home team.
On the other hand, Kazan went forward to attack and Puyol managed to foul and subsequently they got a free kick near the right flank. The ball was well delivered but the foul was given against the Russian side as Valdes fell down after a block from Karadeniz.
This is the second time in 2 years that Barcelona were visiting Rubin Kazan. Last year the match ended in a draw and last year Rubin Kazan did manage to qualify for the round of 16 but they only managed to draw at their home and never lost or won in Russia.
Barcelona were being "over confident" on the ball as they were controlling the game but after the "outstanding" try that David Villa took in the 22nd minute, Rubin Kazan came after Barcelona during the 28th minute. Dani Alves slid in to tackle the ball and the penalty was given to the home side. The penalty was well taken by Noboa who managed to hit Victor Valdes but the Russian team still managed to lead the game as the ball went inside the net.
The match was now all-in for the home team as it was the second time in the Champions League history that the Russian Champions were leading Barcelona. However, the match was far from over.
There weren't many opportunities for Barcelona throughout the first half neither there were any for the Russian team. However, it was Pique who found himself slipping near the penalty area and could not really finish the ball into the net during the 38th minute of the game.
David Villa was mostly silent during the game however, Pedro Rodriguez was seen all over the place and he was the only Barcelonian who was shining more than all the others. On the other hand, Noboa stood out for the Russian champions as he was simply outstanding and even managed to score a goal on the penalty that he took.
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