Barcelona could not manage to break the deadlock against Rubin Kazan, only securing a 0-0 draw.
Defending champions held to goalless draw by Russian club
Barcelona came up short in sub-zero temperatures as they played out a 0-0 draw with surprise package Rubin Kazan.
The Spanish giants dominated possession for most of the Uefa Champions League Group F contest but failed to break the deadlock as Zlatan Ibrahimovic struck their best chance against the post.
Rubin claimed a shock victory in the Camp Nou two weeks ago and almost snatched another win, but substitute Alexander Bukharov squandered two clear-cut chances late-on.
Barcelona and Rubin now have five points from their four games and sit narrowly ahead of Dynamo Kiev and Inter Milan, who will clash later on Wednesday.
The visitors made the brighter start and should have taken the lead after only two minutes gone when Ibrahimovic was sent clean through on goal.
The Swedish striker fired his shot beyond Sergei Ryzhikov in the Rubin goal but saw it cannon off the outside of the upright to safety.
Pressure
Xavi almost outfoxed the goalkeeper with a delicate chip as Barca kept up the early pressure, but the Spain midfielder's effort was over the bar.
With 20 minutes gone, Ibrahimovic used all of his strength to win the ball on the edge of the area and lay it off to the onrushing Lionel Messi, who was robbed of the ball by Ryzhikov before he could attempt a shot.
A cross from Dani Alves was met by Seydou Keita but the Malian's acrobatic volley was miscued and did not trouble Ryzhikov.
Messi went closer minutes later with a long-range attempt that bounced just beyond the post after the Argentine had wriggled free in midfield.
The hosts almost took the lead when a quick counter-attack saw the ball spread out to Alexander Ryazantsev on the right, who cut inside and forced a great save from Victor Valdes.
Chances
Back at the other end, a cleverly worked free-kick from Ibrahimovic gave Andres Iniesta a chance in the area, but his effort was thwarted by Ryzhikov.
After the half-time interval, Barca were quickly on the attack again, a powerful effort from Yaya Toure being blocked and eventually caught by Ryzhikov.
Iniesta then fired wide of the near post after some neat interplay with Xavi on the edge of the area as the visitors continued to dominate possession.
Xavi was the next Barcelona player to have a go from distance as his sliced right-footed effort sailed well wide.
A rare foray forward from Rubin was wasted when Alejandro Dominguez sent a hopeful shot skidding wide of the post.
Dominguez then sent Bukharov racing in on goal with a fantastic ball but the substitute's touch was too heavy, allowing Valdes to collect and clear.
Bukharov then squandered another one-on-one chance as Valdes smothered the ball at the striker's feet just as he was trying to round the keeper.
Thierry Henry was brought on as a substitute in the closing stages and almost won it when Alves' cross struck the unsuspecting Frenchman and nearly deflected into the net.
| Rubin Kazan |
Team Statistics |
Barcelona |
| 0 |
Goals |
0 |
| 0 |
1st Half Goals |
0 |
| 1 |
Shots on Target |
5 |
| 2 |
Shots off Target |
9 |
| 1 |
Blocked Shots |
5 |
| 3 |
Corners |
6 |
| 11 |
Fouls |
12 |
| 3 |
Offsides |
1 |
| 2 |
Yellow Cards |
1 |
| 0 |
Red Cards |
0 |
| 73.6 |
Passing Success |
89.1 |
| 20 |
Tackles |
17 |
| 80 |
Tackles Success |
76.5 |
| 25 |
Possession |
75 |
| 39.7 |
Territorial Advantage |
60.3 |
|
