MOSCOW, October 20 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's Rubin Kazan pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Champions League football on Tuesday night, beating European champions Barcelona 2-1 in Spain.
Playing only their third-ever away game in top level European football, Russian champions Rubin got off to a dream start, a thunderous long-range shot in the 2nd minute from Alexander Ryzantsev silencing the Nou Camp.
Barcelona came forward looking for an equalizer, but it was the Russian champions who went into the break with an unlikely 1-0 lead, despite losing captain Sergei Semak to an injury.
The European champions restored parity at the very start of the second half, Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic hammering home from just inside the box. The goal spurred Lionel Messi and teammates on, and the Spaniards swept forward in search of a second.
But it was Rubin, also playing without injured Russian international Alexander Bukharov, who scored the game's third and final goal, Turkish striker Gokdeniz Karadeniz firing in after a through pass from the outstanding Alejandro Dominguez in the 73rd minute. The tiny contingent of Rubin fans went wild.
Barcelona came forward, hitting the post in injury time, but Rubin hung on for a famous and unexpected victory. Usually reserved and taciturn coach Kurban Berdyev, who took the club into the Russian Premier League only seven years ago, leapt for joy.
In the night's other Group F game, Dynamo Kiev drew 2-2 away to Inter Milan to leave the Italians bottom of the four-team group.
Rubin host Barcelona on November 4 in the fourth round of group games.
GROUP F (after three games)
Barcelona - 4
Dynamo Kiev - 4
Rubin Kazan - 4
Inter Milan - 3
