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Barcelona's Daniel Alves challenges Rubin Kazan's Aleksandr Ryazantsev (back) - Source: Reuters -
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Barcelona endured another frustrating Champions League night
against Rubin Kazan on Thursday, the holders having to settle for a
goalless draw in a Group F match played in sub-zero
temperatures.
Barca, who suffered a shock 2-1 defeat by the Russians at the Nou
Camp two weeks ago, missed the best chance in the second minute
when Zlatan Ibrahimovic raced clear on to an Andres Iniesta pass
and hit a post.
The draw leaves both teams on five points from four games in a
tight group ahead of the match between Dynamo Kiev (four points)
and Inter Milan (three) later on Wednesday.
Barcelona took the game to the Champions League debutants from the
opening whistle and Ibrahimovic came desperately close when, faced
with only keeper Sergei Ryzhikov to beat, he drifted his shot on to
the far post.
The European champions pressed on with Xavi trying to lob Ryzhikov
from outside the box and Lionel Messi going wide with a long-range
effort.
Ryzhikov, busy throughout the whole match, also denied Iniesta and
Ibrahimovic before the interval.
Barca keeper Victor Valdes did well to keep his concentration when
faced with a rare threat, stopping Alexander Ryazantsev's low drive
late in the first half.
Rubin substitute Alexander Bukharov could have scored against the
run of play midway through the second half when he evaded two
Barcelona defenders but Valdes beat him to the ball.
Barca's last chance fell to substitute Thierry Henry but his
left-footed shot flew well wide with the clock ticking down.
