Russian champions Rubin earned a deserved point against Barcelona in Kazan on Wednesday, surviving a second-half fight back from the Spaniards and hitting the post late on as they tried for the win.
Both goals were scored from the penalty spot, with Christian Noboa netting for the hosts in the 30th minute and David Villa equalizing on the hour mark.
Rubin coach Kurban Berdiyev sent out a defensive side with five defenders and one striker but the Tatarstan team had to ride their luck early on as Barcelona, who drew in Kazan last season after losing to Rubin at home, made the running even with Lionel Messi starting on the bench due to an ankle injury.
In the best early chance, forward Pedro was released by Villa and reached the ball ahead of Sergei Ryzhikov, but he could only lift the ball onto the bar and watch it bounce back into the grateful arms of the keeper.
Rubin were always looking to carry the game to their opponents, however, and after half an hour their ambition paid dividends as Vitaly Kaleshin latched onto a through ball and was felled in the box by fullback Dani Alves.
The onus was now on the Spanish champions to score against the most miserly team in Russia, and they stepped up the pressure, which became too much for the home side's stubborn defense when Andres Iniesta tumbled as he surged into the penalty area.
Like his Barcelona counterpart, Ryzhkov got to the ball and was disappointed not to keep out Villa's powerful shot.
Barcelona brought on Messi after the goal and although the visitors still had the best of the game, Rubin fans were left dreaming of a second win over the Spaniards in a year when Nigerian Obafemi Martins could only head against the foot of the post with three minutes remaining.
The draw gave Rubin their first points in this season's Champions League, while Barcelona now have four points.
MOSCOW, September 29 (RIA Novosti)
