Atletico travelled to Rubin Kazan on Thursday needing to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit in order to advance into the last 16 of the Europa League.
The Spanish outfit did control proceedings in the first period, but stern defending from Rubin restricted them to few clear-cut chances.
Both sides had chances in the second period, with Radamel Falcao scoring late on, but it was not enough to book Atletico's spot in the next stage.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Our Europa League coverage gets underway from Russia as Rubin Kazan welcome in-form Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid. The La Liga side were one of the favourites for the competition, but they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Rubin in the reverse fixture last week. Can they turn it around this evening?
Atletico’s problems heading into this match are certainly of their own making. Rubin took a sixth-minute lead in the first leg through Gokdeniz Karadeniz, but the Russian side were reduced to 10 men before the interval when Roman Sharanov was handed his marching orders.
The Spanish outfit did not make use of their numerical advantage, however, and conceded a second in the final minute when Pablo Orbaiz scored from close range. The result was all the more significant with Atletico playing just about their strongest team, albeit with a couple of exceptions. I think it would be fair to state that the first goal could prove significant this evening.
There have been suggestions that Atletico were distracted by their La Liga campaign in the previous leg, with that accusation hard to argue with. The capital outfit had won 21 consecutive matches at home before the visit of Kazan last week, while they have won 12 of their 12 home matches in the league to sit four points clear of third-placed Real Madrid.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone took the fall for his players following the match, but he did admit that his side have “very little” chance of progressing to the next round. Having watched every one of Atletico’s matches this season, they certainly have the capability to turn this match around, but it does depend on which Rubin side turns up.
Rubin, however, hardly enter the match in the best run of form. The Russian outfit have lost their last four matches in the league, failing to score a single goal in that period. They are also well of the pace in their domestic table, currently sitting in seventh position, 12 points behind league leaders CSKA Moscow.
TEAMS:
RUBIN: Ryzhikov; Kuzmin, Navas, Marcano, Ansaldi; Orbaiz, Kislyak, Eremenko, Karadeniz; Natcho, Rondon
ATLETICO: Asenjo; Manquillo, Miranda, C.Diaz, Cisma; Suarez, Saul Niguez; Rodriguez, Garcia, Adrian; Falcao
So there we have it. Rubin name Salomon Rondon and Natcho in attack, while Spanish defender Ivan Marcano once takes his place in the back four. Atletico boss Diego Simeone has handed starting spots to Cisma, Saul Niguez and Cebolla, but star man Radamel Falcao does indeed start as the lone forward.
Back to Rubin for a moment. The Russian outfit have not won a league match since November 17 when they were 2-0 winners over Alaniya. They had won seven matches in a row between October and November, but since the winter break they have struggled for any sort of consistency. Perhaps they are focusing all their attention on success in the Europa League, which certainly worked in the first leg.
Let’s take a look at how both sides made it to this stage of the competition. Rubin topped Group H ahead of Inter Milan, with Partizan and Neftci eliminating the tournament. They won four of their six matches, drawing twice. Meanwhile, they scored 10 times and conceded just three in the process. A record which certainly drew attention from across Europe.
They opened the campaign with a 2-2 draw away to Inter before picking up a 2-0 win over Partizan in Russia. Back-to-back 1-0 wins over Neftci then followed, before they thumped Inter Milan 3-0 on their own patch. They finished the campaign with a respectable 1-1 draw in Belgrade to ensure that they topped their section.
Atletico, meanwhile, finished second in Group B behind Viktoria Plzen, with Academica de Coimbra and Hapoel Tel-Aviv exiting the competition. They won four of their six matches, losing the other two. Meanwhile, they scored seven times and conceded four. Despite securing qualification, it was a surprise that they did not top the group.
They opened their group campaign with a 3-0 win over Hapoel before making it three wins from three games against Plzen and Academica. They were surprisingly beaten in the return match by the Portuguese outfit, but they returned to winning ways with a home victory over Apoel. The campaign ended in disappointment, however, as they were beaten 1-0 by Plzen.
For our readers that are not too familiar with Rubin and their recent history, let me take a moment to bring you some facts and figures. The Russian outfit were formed in 1958, but they did not join the upper regions of the Russian league until 2003, with their first title coming in 2008.
Rubin impressed in the 2009/2010 season in the Champions League when they took four points off Barcelona including a famous 2-1 win in the Camp Nou. However, they eventually finished third in that particular group, a position that they also occupied in the 2010/2011 season. It would be their finest campaign if they were to secure European success this time around.
Here’s a word from Atletico midfielder Cristian Rodriguez prior to the clash. He told reporters: “We know that it's very tough. We had a very bad result, (but) we've worked very hard this week and hopefully we can get a good result. We're the current champions but we need to show that over there and give our all. We'll try to achieve the impossible and get through."
Simeone echoed those views by adding: “The most important thing is that we have 90 minutes to change the result. It will not be easy, but we have not lost hope. In the Europa League we have always been competitive and tomorrow we will show it again. We came here with the desire to win and get the result."
A quick word from the other camp. Rubin defender Ivan Marcano has insisted that his side must remain focused. He told reporters: “Atletico will try their best to turn the result around. That's the nature of their coach. They will try to score quickly and tip the scales back in their favour."
Right, we are just about five minutes from kickoff. That can only mean one thing on Sports Mole, time for a pre-match prediction. Rubin have been disappointing on their home patch in recent weeks, but I cannot see them failing to score. I am backing a 2-1 home win on this freezing evening in Russia.
The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder of the main team news as kickoff approaches. Rubin are pretty much as expected with Rondon and Natcho leading their line. Atletico have Falcao available, but Rodriguez, Cisma and Manquillo are handed rare starts.
Here we go then. It must be said that it is absolutely bitter in Russia this evening. Not quite like a nice summer in Madrid, but the Spanish outfit will have to adapt to the situation. You just get the feeling that the first goal could prove decisive. Atletico get the half underway.
High-tempo start from the away side as Falcao collects possession from Rodriguez before driving down the left, but Kuzmin is across to clear at the vital moment. A reminder that Rubin currently lead 2-0 on aggregate. The away side are in their usual red and white stripes, while Rubin are in an all-green attire.
Neither side has really taken control of the possession inside this opening four minutes with both guilty of sloppy passing in midfield. A half-chance does arrive for the Spanish outfit as Rodriguez fires a high cross into the box, but Marcano is on hand to challenge Falcao, who skippers his side this evening.
The first shot of the match comes from Falcao as the Atletico striker picks up possession before thumping an effort towards the top corner, but Ryzhikov is on hand to push over the crossbar. The resulting corner is whipped into the box by Suarez, but Orbiaz is on hand to head clear. Decent spell for the Spanish outfit in the early stages.
Not too much for the home side to get excited about in terms of attacking intent thus far with Atletico dominating possession of the ball in the final third. Falcao is again involved outside the Rubin box, but his low effort is wide of the post before Rondon is denied by a challenge by Cisma down the other end.
Even Diego Simeone is wrapped up this evening with the Atletico boss sporting a warm hat. I think you know it is cold when the Argentine is feeling the wind. There is snow all around the side of the pitch, but luckily the playing surface is clear. However, it has not stopped the away side dominating the possession in this opening 10 minutes.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. Saul is involved for the away side as he turns outside the box before feeding a pass towards Falcao, but the danger is cleared before Rodriguez fells Karadeniz down the other end.
Half-chance for the home side to create a shooting chance as Natcho fires the resulting free kick into the box, but the referee stops the attack for an offside. Far from a full house inside the stadium this evening, but the home supporters are making their voices heard. Not too many Atletico fans have followed their team to this match. Let's hope they are joining me!
Rondon is again involved for Rubin as he advances behind the Atletico defence, but once more the linesman raises his flag. The match has just turned ever so untidy in the last few moments with both sides guilty of giving away a host of free kicks. It is the type of match that really needs a goal as the first period begins to gather pace.
Atletico continue to look the most likely with Suarez and Garcia exchanging a host of passes in the middle of midfield. Eventually the latter threads a pass towards Saul, but the Spaniard is immediately surrounded by two defenders. It is isn't pretty from the home side, but they are the team that lead 2-0. It is up to Atletico to really open up and attack.
Better from the home side in terms of possession in the last few minutes with Natcho and Rondon combining around the edge of the box, eventually Karadeniz floats a cross into the penalty area, but it just moves out of play for a goal kick. Sergio Asenjo is between the Atletico sticks this evening with Courtois having a rest from his league exploits.
The challenges continue to fly in from both sides, but the referee has yet to reach into his pocket. In fairness it has not been that type of match, with the challenges late rather than reckless. Rodriguez floats the latest free kick into the penalty area, but Rubin goalkeeper Ryzhikov is out to collect.
Atletico remain the side in total control of the possession and it almost brings a shooting chance as Falcao collects a pass from Garcia before turning and striking towards goal, but Kuzmin is on hand to make a fine block. You just get the feeling that the Spanish outfit are warming to this task. One goal and it is very much tie on.
Cisma is again involved for the away side as he drives down the left before firing a low cross into the box, but Cesar Navas is on hand to make the block. Atletico want a penalty moments later as Marcano appears to handle in the box, but the referee is simply not interested. One-way traffic as the 30-minute mark approaches.
Atletico continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area as Adrian combines with Cisma, however, Rondon is across to clear at the vital moment, winning a free kick down the other end. On this performance, you do have to question how Atletico lost the first leg. But they just never got started in Madrid last week. On form, they are too good for this Rubin side.
Suddenly Kuzin bursts into life for the home side as he drives down the right before firing a cross towards Natcho, the striker takes control of the ball before striking towards the bottom corner, but Asenjo is across to collect. Still no real clear chances in this match with 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
It would probably be fair to state that if Rubin score the first goal then this tie is just about over. However, the Russian outfit have thus far not offered any indication that they are capable of taking the lead on the night. As it stands, Atletico need to score at least twice to take this into extra time.
A half-chance comes down the other end as Garcia strikes an effort from distance, but it was always moving wide of the post. That has just about summed up the opening 34 minutes in terms of chances, there have been a couple of sighters, but no more than that. Little over 10 minutes of the first period to play and the score remains 0-0 on the night.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Atletico force a free kick outside the penalty area. The resulting set piece is taken by Rodriguez, but his delivery is poor. The home side attempt to counter with the pace of Rondon, but the striker is immediately surrounded by Miranda, with the Brazilian on hand to clear.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both teams guilty of poor passing in midfield. Rubin have started to commit a few more players to each attack, but their final ball has just not found the desired target. Meanwhile, both teams continue to commit a host of bitty fouls.
Rubin just cannot keep hold of possession at the moment as Atletico continue to pass and probe outside their penalty area, but once more the final pass is poor. A horror moment from Ryzhikv allows Falcao the opportunity to tap into an empty net moments later, but Kuzmin just gets back to clear at the vital moment.
The away side continue to pen Rubin into their own penalty area with Falcao and Adrian combining outside the box, eventually the effort is from Garcia, but it is straight at the goalkeeper. Just a few signs that the Spanish outfit are starting to get to grip with proceedings. But they really need that first goal.
The pressure remains as Diego Simeone's side attempt to force the issue with a series of crosses into the box, but you have to be impressed with the way that Rubin have defended thus far. Their 2-0 lead is still in tact. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football at the end of the month as Adrian wastes possession in an advanced area.
HALF-TIME: Rubin 0-0 Atletico (Rubin lead 2-0 on aggregate)
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the score at 0-0 on the evening. Just a reminder that Rubin currently lead 2-0 on aggregate, therefore the away side need to score at least twice in the second period to have a chance of progressing to the last 16.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Atletico have dominated possession with 67% of the ball, while they have had five shots to Rubin's two. That said, neither team has really cleated what you would call a clear chance to open the scoring.
What about the benches for this evening? Rubin do have attacking changes in their squad with the likes of Gokhan Tore and Alexei Eremenko capable of influencing proceedings. Atletico, meanwhile, have an extremely inexperienced bench with just goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois what could be considered a first-team player.
Just a reminder that there are a host of Europa League ties this evening with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool all to come. Be sure to join Sports Mole for the coverage and you will not miss a kick. Right, the second period is just a few moments away.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is perhaps not too surprising at this stage of events. Rubin will surely attempt to protect their lead, but Atletico simply have to come out and attack. The home side get the half underway.
Big second period to come for both sides. Atletico have certainly dominated the possession, but have found it tough to break down this stern Russian defence, which includes two Spaniards. Rondon attempts to force the issue for Rubin early in the half, but his mazy run is eventually stopped by the diving Cisma.
Slightly scrappy period to the match in the last couple of moments with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. Atletico do create a half-chance as Cisma drives down the left before finding Falcao, but the young defender was felled by Kuzmin after the ball had been played. However, the resulting free kick comes to nothing.
Rubin force a free kick of their own down the other end, but the delivery from Orbaiz fails to beat the first man and the danger is cleared. The home supporters continue to create a decent atmosphere inside the stadium, but it is hard not to notice the amount of empty seats. Meanwhile, the temperature continues to fall on this bitter evening.
Atletico create a half-chance down the other end moments later as Suarez picks up possession before finding Adrian down the right, the Spaniard fires a low cross into the box, but Ryzhikov is out to collect. Meanwhile, Falcao just cannot get into this match at the moment as he fluffs a header straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. It remains 0-0 on the evening, 2-0 to Rubin on aggregate.
Should Rubin advance this evening then it would be just the second time that they have reached the final 16 stage of the competition. You almost get the feeling that it means more to them than it does to Atletico, who won the Europa League last season. Still no real chances for either side with just under 35 minutes of normal time remaining.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Garcia strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. Simeone continues to patrol the touchline, but he does not have too much on the bench if he wishes to change the shape. Rubin are comfortable at the moment with not too much to report as the hour mark approaches.
It is all one-way traffic at the moment as Atletico continue to force the issue in the opposing half, but it cannot be said that the home side have really been worried this evening. They have defended well, but they have not been asked too many questions by the likes of Adrian and Falcao. However, there is certainly still time for that to change.
CHANCE! Just about the clearest chance of the match comes to the home side as Rondon muscles Miranda off the ball before striking a low effort on goal, but Asenjo is on hand to make a fine save. That could have put this tie to bed. What a moment.
Someone has just flicked a switch here as both sides start to commit players to each attack. The home side create another half-chance as Kislyak dances into the box before finding Orbiaz, but Suarez is out to make the challenge before Adrian fires wide down the other end. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Rodriguez curls a free kick into the box, but once more the delivery is poor, with Kuzmin on hand to clear the danger. Still no movement on either bench, but this tie is just starting to get away from Atletico. I must admit, I cannot see them scoring twice in the latter stages.
CHANCE! Clear opportunity for the home side as Rodriguez dances into the penalty area before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but Kuzmin is across at the vital moment to make a challenge. Two corners follow in quick succession, but Rubin deal with the danger. Much higher tempo at the moment.
Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Atletico need to score twice in order to take this into extra time. Should the home side score, then Atletico would need three, but then would advance at the end of the 90 minutes with away goals. It does not seem likely, but there is still a chance. All it takes is a moment.
Falcao tries the spectacular as he meets a high cross in the box before spinning and striking towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the target. It is a surprise that neither team has made a single change as the latter stages approach. It is going to be some party in Russia as it stands.
Possession football from the home side at the moment as they continue to keep the ball in the Atletico half, which is forcing the Spanish side to make a number of challenges. Kuzmin does indeed have a shooting chance moments later, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
Slightly untidy period of the match at the moment with neither team taking too much care in possession of the ball. It has become scrappy with Atletico attempting to force players into the Rubin box, but the Russian outfit cannot make the most of the space down the other end. You just get the feeling that Atletico have to score before the 80-minute mark.
Saul is the latest Atletico player to have his name taken for a high challenge on the Russian goalkeeper. Slightly harsh, but he did make contact with Ryzhikov, who makes the most of it as the minutes continue to drift on. A corner comes to the Spanish outfit moments later, but the danger is cleared.
Meanwhile, the first change of the match is made as Kislyak is replaced by Kaleshin. However, there is still no movement on the Atletico bench, which is full of young players. Still no signs that the Spanish outfit are capable of scoring two goals in the final 10 minutes of this match.
Rubin are just about using every trick in the book at the moment as they continue to hit the deck under slight touches, but the referee is buying it as the minutes continue to drift on. Rubin still cannot keep hold of the possession, but Atletico are simply not threatening down the other end.
The pressure continues from the Spanish outfit as they fire high crosses into the penalty area, but once more it comes to nothing as Marcano clears the danger. Not too much to report in the latter stages with both teams almost accepting the result. It will be a huge result for the Russian side if they hold on in the final six minutes or so.
Two more corners come to the Spanish outfit in quick succession, but the first is headed clear by Kuzmin before the second is collected by the Rubin goalkeeper. It is a surprise that Simeone has decided against making a few chances. His side have simply not been at it this evening. A half-chance does arrive as Saul meets a cross in the box, but he heads straight at Ryzhikov.
GOAL! Rubin 0-1 Atletico (Falcao)
Well now. What do we have here? Falcao scores from nowhere as the Colombian meets a cross from Adrian Lopez before firing his effort into the back of the net. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining. Another takes this game into extra time.
Can Rubin hold on in the final stages of this match? Atletico continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area, but Adrian loses possession at the vital moment and the danger is cleared. All hands to the pump. Rubin look nervous, but they have defended well this evening.
Meanwhile, the home side make another change as Natcho, who limps off the pitch, is replaced by Ryazantsev. Another half-chance comes to the away side as Miranda meets a cross from Falcao, but the Brazilian can only head at the goalkeeper. Little over one minute of normal time remaining.
RED CARD: The home side have been reduced to 10 men as Cesar Navas is handed his marching orders for a challenge on Saul. In truth, it was not a clever challenge. How costly will that prove? Ragged defending from the Russian outfit.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time and we are indeed into the first of those. Rubin have possession in their own half, but you get the feeling that there is going to be another chance in the final stages.
Remember, another goal for the away side would take this into extra time. A half-chance comes to Rodriguez as the winger strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Little over 30 seconds remaining, this one is just about over. Unless...
FULL-TIME: Rubin Kazan 0-1 Atletico Madrid (Rubin win 2-1 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Rubin hold on in the final moments to knock out the defending champions. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and remain with us for a host of Europa League football this evening. Good evening!
