UEFA Champions League: Rubin Kazan vs. Copenhagen (Preview)
Now or Never
Russian champions, Rubin Kazan, started their UEFA Championship campaign being the domestic league winners last season. However, it seems like things are not going in their way now as Rubin Kazan has already lost their domestic title of dominance and are
also on a verge of elimination from the European Competition.
The Russian Lords are currently placed at the third position Group D of UEFA Champions League. They have managed to bag only three points from the possible 12, from which Rubin lost only match and drew three. Moreover, the Tatars are also four points behind
their opponents tonight which are Copenhagen. In addition to that, Rubin Kazan has failed to win a single match in UEFA Champions league and tonight they face ‘now or never’ situation as it is compulsory for them to win against Copenhagen in order to keep
their hopes alive for the qualification of Round of 16.
Furthermore, Rubin Kazan’s recent form is also unimpressive as they only managed to draw against newly crowned Russian crowned Russian champions Zenit St. Petersburg last weekend which also slipped them to the third spot of domestic league table.
However, Rubin Kazan boss insists that his side would give its level best against Copenhagen and is confident that the Tatars would be able to get a win at home.
Berdyev said: "Copenhagen is possibly in better shape now than on Matchday 1. They look more mobile and mentally stronger. Stale Solbakken has built a good team and organized them in defense and attack.
Just a Win Away
Danish Champions, Copenhagen are just a win away from qualification of UEFA Champions League next round. Stale Solbakken’s men have been one of the surprise packages of this European Competition so far this season as well as one of the most impressive teams.
The Danish champions are on the second spot with seven points, a point behind table leaders Barcelona in Group D of UEFA Champions League. Moreover, the stunned Spanish Giants by drawing with at home two weeks ago and have managed to win 2 matches along
with a defeat and a draw.
Moreover, a win in Russia would see Copenhagen to qualify for the Round of 16, or a even a draw in Kazan would book Danish Champions’ place in the next round of UEFA Champions League.
The Coach Stale Solbakken of Danish Champions said: "We are looking forward to the game and know it will be difficult. Rubin have to win while we can go through with a draw. However, we will try for three points even though we know Barcelona have not
won here in two attempts."
Team News:
RUBIN KAZAN: Ryzhikov - Kaleshin, Cesar Navas, Bocchetti, Ansaldi - Ryazantsev, Noboa, Natcho, Kasaev - Karadeniz, Kornilenko
COPENHAGEN: Wiland - Pospech, Zanka, Antonsson, Wendt - Bolanos, Kvist, Claudemir, Vingaard - N'Doye, Gronkjaer
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