Rubin Kazan welcomed Levante on Thursday in the second leg of their last-16 tie in the Europa League with the two teams level at 0-0 from the first leg.
Both sides had chances in the first period, but neither could open the scoring with the tie remaining goalless at the interval.
The second period brought a similar chain of events, with neither side able to break the deadlock as the tie headed for extra time.
Finally the first goal of the tie arrived after 100 minutes when Jose Rondon converted from close range, before Vladimir Dyadyun wrapped up the win for Rubin with a cool finish late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The Champions League last-16 phase is now done and dusted, with Europa League matters now in hand. Rubin are among the favourites to claim the crown this season, but Levante are enjoying a successful season of their own. Can the Spanish outfit adapt to the difficult conditions in Moscow this afternoon?
As mentioned, Rubin claimed a credible draw when the two sides met in Valencia last week which will make them the favourites to advance to the quarter-finals. However, they were beaten the last time they welcomed Spanish opposition to this stadium – a 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the previous round.
However, Rubin will have been buoyed by a successful return to league action last weekend with victory over Zenit. However, to suggest that Rubin were in a poor run of form in their domestic division prior to the three-month break in Russia would be putting it kindly. Prior to the win over Zenit, they had 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 that period they have struggled for any sort of form. Perhaps they are focusing all their attention on success in the Europa League, which certainly worked in the previous round. They currently sit in sixth position in their domestic table, 12 points off the leaders CSKA Moscow.
For our readers not too familiar with the Russian outfit, let me bring you up to speed with a couple of facts and figures. Rubin 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.
TEAMS:
RUBIN: Ryzhikov; Kaleshin, Sharonov, Marcano, Kuzmin; Orbaiz, Natkho; Karadeniz, Eremenko, Kasaev; Rondon
LEVANTE: Navas; Juanfran, Navarro, Ballesteros, Lell; Diop, Iborra, Ruben, El Zhar; Barkero, Acquafresca
So there we have it. Both teams name arguably their strongest available sides for this clash. Jose Rondon leads the Rubin attack alongside Alan Kasaev, while Spanish duo Marcano and Obiaz also both start. Levante name Robert Acquafresca as their loan forward, meanwhile, with Nabil El Zhar and Ruben Garcia providing support from deeper positions.
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.
Rubin forward Rondon, who scored the winner against Zenit at the weekend, has called on his side to remain focused ahead of the match. He told reporters: “We will approach the game in the same way we approach all our games, and like we approached Atletico Madrid. We will play the second leg with the same mindset and the same desire."
Levante, meanwhile, currently sit 10th in La Liga having taken 36 points from 27 matches. They have struggled for form in recent weeks, however, and are without a win in six. They are yet to lose at home in what has been their debut season in the Europa League, but they have struggled on the road.
Here’s a word from Levante goalkeeper Keylor Navas prior to the clash. He told reporters at a press conference: “What we have to do is stay focused, defend well and try to take advantage of their mistakes. We hope to continue in this competition and keep dreaming, and we'll give everything to qualify for the next round."
Levante have been hit with a major blow, however, with the loss of Obafemi Martins to Seattle Sounders this week. The MLS outfit activated the Nigerian’s buyout clause in his contract, but Levante have threatened Seattle with a tampering lawsuit due to the loss of their star player at this stage of the season.
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, before overcoming Atletico Madrid in the last-32 stage.
Levante, meanwhile, finished second in Group L, with Hannover advancing as winners and Helsingborgs and Twente exiting the competition. They won three of their six matches, drawing twice. Meanwhile, they scored 10 goals and conceded five in that period.
They opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Helsingborg, before losing 2-1 to Hannover in Germany. They recovered with a 3-0 win over Twente in Spain, before drawing the return match 0-0. A positive result followed with a 3-1 win over Helsingborg in Sweden, before they drew their final group match 2-2 with Hannover. They advanced from the previous round with victory over Olympiacos.
Based on the first leg, you would have to make Rubin favourites for this tie. The Russians were defensively solid last week, while they struck the woodwork twice late on as they started to gain control. Many reputable bookmakers are offering odds as high as 6/1 for the Levante win, which is an indication of their task in Moscow.
Much of Levante’s success will depend on how they can adapt to the conditions. Valencia has been hardly glorious sunshine in recent months, but Moscow is a different atmosphere altogether. You do worry whether they will be able to offer enough in attack with the loss of Martins and the absence of the suspended Michel.
Right, we are just about five minutes from kickoff which can only mean one thing, time for my pre-match prediction. You just get the feeling that the first goal could shape this tie, if Levante manage to take the lead then they would put themselves in a strong position. But as it stands, I am backing a home win.
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. Rubin once more pair Rondon and Kasaev in attack, while Acquafresca leads the line for Levante. Six Russians in the Rubin side this evening, the same number of Spaniard's in Levante's starting team.
Just a quick reminder that Sports Mole have a host of Europa League ties on offer this evening. Be sure to remain with us for the night's events. Below freezing conditions in Moscow this evening, but that has not stopped the supporters turning out in their numbers. The home side get the action underway.
We are very much at the business end of the Europa League competition, with both of these sides setting their sights on the final eight. Slight concern for Levante defender Juanfran inside the opening couple of moments as he goes down in a heap, but following a spell of treatment he is deemed fit to continue.
Far from a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a good atmosphere. It's good work from the home side as Natcho collects possession before sliding a through pass towards Rondon, but Lell is across to clear. Natcho strikes an effort form distance moments later, but it was always rising over the crossbar.
Not too much to report inside the opening six minutes of the match with both teams just attempting to feel their way into the freezing conditions. Plenty of gloves on display from the Levante players, but I think we will let them off with the conditions in Moscow. Not like summer in Valencia! Rubin enjoying most of the ball in the opening stages of the match.
It's really smart work from Kasaev as the Russian darts past two challenges before carrying the ball to the edge of the box, but Navarro is out to fell the attacker. The resulting free kick is taken by Natcho, but he strikes his effort straight into the wall. The pressure continues with a searching cross into the box, but Juanfran is on hand to head clear.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both teams guilty of giving away a host of fouls in the opposing half. The latest allows Levante the chance to whip a free kick into the box, but the delivery from Iborra is poor. Not too much from El Zhar and Acquafresca inside the opening 10 minutes of this European tie.
Looks to be a real problem for Juanfran here as the Spaniard holds his knee in a challenge with Eremenko. The defender looks in all sorts of bother here, with early suggestions that he will not be able to continue. That would be a big blow for Levante at this stage of the match. Stoppage in play as the right-back receives treatment.
Juanfran moved very gingerly from the pitch, but no decision on a replacement has been made as of yet. The home supporters really are creating a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium. A half-chance emerges for Rubin as Rondon collects possession in the box, but just cannot turn and shoot with Navarro across to make the clearance.
Rubin continue to play the better football in the early stages as they work the ball from left to right, but they have been unable to find a way through this stern Levante defence thus far. The temperature gauge reveals that we are just below freezing at pitch level. However, no snow at the moment.
Juanfran has indeed returned to the pitch. He went down like he had been spot, but is now running about like a mad man. The magic sponge strikes again. A half-chance comes for Levante as El Zhar meets a cross from Barkero, but he can only head his effort straight at the goalkeeper. Decent tempo with 18 minutes on the clock.
Two well-matched teams on display in the early stages with both demonstrating quality in possession, but neither has really threatened to open the scoring thus far. Rondon is certainly the main threat for the home side, but Garcia has been lively for Levante. Deafening noise inside the stadium as the supporters continue to sing their tunes.
Half-chance for the home side as Kasaev collects possession outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. That has been the story of the opportunities thus far, plenty of strikes from distance, but neither goalkeeper really called into question. If it was a boxing match, Rubin would be winning on points at the moment.
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As it stands, the match would head into extra-time and then possibly penalties. A 0-0 draw is the only situation where we could have extra time, however. Away goals do indeed count double therefore any score draw would see Levante advance. Half-chance for Rondon as he advances into the box, but he can only fire over the crossbar.
CHANCE! Just about the clearest opening of the match comes to the away side as the ball bounces nicely for Garcia in the penalty area, but he thumps his effort high and wide of the target. What a chance to send his side into the lead. The opportunities are just starting to fall for both sides.
Again Levante have a shooting chance as Ruben collects possession outside the box, but he can only fire his effort high and wide of the target. Decent tempo in the opening 28 minutes of the match, bur clear chances have certainly been few and far between. However, Levante have certainly started to offer more in attack in the last few minutes.
Good pace from El Zhar as the former Liverpool winger darts past two challenges before firing a low cross into the box, but Marcano is across to clear the danger. Rubin advance down the other end with Karadeniz, but Juanfran is across to make the challenge. End-to-end football with 15 minutes of the half remaining.
Rubin attempt to force the issue once more as Natcho plays a through pass towards Orbiaz, but the linesman raises his flag. Not too much from the Russian outfit in attack in the last 10 minutes or so. It does seem like the type of tie that could he heading for extra time. Which is a strange thing to say with still an hour of the match remaining.
An extended spell of Rubin pressure comes close to bringing the opening goal as Rondon and Kasaev both have strikes from close range, but Navarro is across to block on each occasion. Wonderful defending from the Spaniard. Levante advance down the other end with Juanfran, but his pass is too long for Acquafresca.
Another long-range strike comes from El Zhar, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Plenty of attacking threat on display from both sides, but neither has had that extra bit of quality in the final third. Little under 10 minutes of the half remaining in his freezing night in Moscow as Kasaev tests Navas from long range.
The snow has just started to fall in Moscow, which will not help the pitch here. Based on the conditions in Russia, you have to praise the ground staff for getting this match on at all. A half-chance falls to the home side as Kasaev advances into the box, but he can only clip his effort over the crossbar. The chances have certainly started to fall in the latter stages of the half.
Slightly untidy couple of minutes with both teams guilty of giving away a host of fouls in the opposing half. Levante attempt to force the issue with a high cross into the Rubin box, but the referee blows for a foul on Rondon. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and the tie remains goalless.
Good pressure from Rubin in the latter stages of the half with Rondon and Kaseav both striking efforts from distance, but neither really threatens to open the scoring. Levante are just struggling to get out at the moment with El Zhar and Garcia struggling to gain control of the ball. The stunning atmosphere inside the stadium remains as Rondon is felled just outside the box by Navarro.
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The resulting free kick is taken by Eremenko, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken quickly, but Juanfran is on hand to make the block. Meanwhile, the referee indicates an additional two minutes of stoppage time.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side in the latter stages of the half as Natcho meets a cross from Kuzmin, but Ballesteros is across to make a sensational block at the vital moment. All Rubin in the final moments of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Rubin Kazan 0-0 Levante
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. As it stands, we are heading for extra time and possibility penalties, but there is still at least 45 minutes of football to be played. It is just so delicately poised.
STATISTICS: The home side have dominated possession with 70%, but they have had five attempts to Levante's six. The Spanish outfit have also hit the target three times, but Rubin have failed to test the opposing goalkeeper thus far. Just the one yellow card with Marcano entering the referee's notebook in first-half stoppage time.
BENCH WATCH: The home side certainly have attacking options on the bench in the shape of Gokhan Tore and Alexei Eremenko, but I shouldn't think they will make changes at the interval. Levante, meanwhile, have the likes of Valdo, Pedro Rios and Pedro Lopez in reserve.
Just to bring you up to speed with other events in the Europa League. There is just one other match taking palce at this time with Zenit leading 1-0 against Basel in Russia. As it stands, the home side would advance on away goals. Tottenham Hotspur will also soon get underway against Inter Milan, with the English club leading 3-0 from the first leg.
Right, both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. A reminder that a 0-0 score is only situation where we can see extra time and possibly penalties. Should Levante open the scoring, then Rubin would need to score twice to advance into the final eight. The away side get the half underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is perhaps not too surprising at this stage of events. Rubin certainly dominated the first period, but have been unable to find a way through thus far. Are we heading for extra time? Or will we have a winner in the next 45 minutes or so? Be sure to remain with us to find out.
Half-chance for the home side as Orbiaz threads a pass towards Rondon, but the striker just cannot take control of the pass, with Kavas out to clear the danger. He is unquestionably the main threat for the Russian outfit. However, for Levante, you just cannot see where a goal is coming from. Acquafresca has hardly hard a kick thus far.
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Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in midfield. Meanwhile, the referee is called into action to deal with a number of fouls. It has not been that type of match, however, with just one yellow card issued. Unlike the first leg where two red cards were shown.
Levante attempt to force the issue with two corners into the penalty area, but the first is headed clear by Marcano before Ryzhikov comes to claim the second. The home supporters must be credited for their noise level this evening. They have simply not stopped since the very first moment. However, as it stands, they are going to be in for a long night of football.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Natcho strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always travelling over the crossbar. It is simply all one-way traffic at the moment with Levante struggling for any sort of attacking pressure. Little under 35 minutes of normal time remaining.
A free kick from Natcho causes all sorts of problems in the Levante penalty area, but eventually Rondon can only flick his effort over the crossbar. Still no goal in this tie. It is the type of match that could be won by the odd goal. A Levante strike at this stage would leave Rubin needing to score twice to advance to the final eight.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Diop strikes a volley from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Better from Levante in the last couple of moments, but there is no real conviction each time they push forward. It does appear likely that extra time could arrive this evening.
The match has just lost its way in the last five minutes or so with both teams struggling for invention on the final third. As it stands, both of these sides could play until next week and still wouldn't score. But there is always the chance that something will drop in the latter stages. Little under 30 minutes of normal time remaining.
Still no movement on either bench which is a surprise at this stage of the match. I suspect that each manager will have extra time on their minds, even at this stage of the fixture. A half-chance arrives for the away side as Barkero fires a dangerous cross into the box, but Kuzmin is across to clear the danger.
Rubin continue to pass and probe outside the Levante penalty area, but they just cannot find a way through this stern Spanish defence. Lell has been given freedom to roam forward in the last five minutes or so, but the German's quality into the Rubin box has not been up to the required standard. Still goalless on the night and indeed in the tie.
Half-chance for the away side as El Zhar strikes an effort from distance, but it just whistled past the post. Meanwhile, Levante make their first change of the match as Valdo comes on to replace Acquafresca, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Still no movement on the Rubin bench as we enter the latter stages.
Not too much to report in the last few moments with both sides struggling to influence proceedings in the final third. The longer this match goes on, the more likely it is that we will see extra time. I suspect that if this is the score with five minutes remaining, then both teams will close up and play for the draw. But there is still plenty of football to be played in the remaining 20 minutes or so.
It really is a scrappy match at the moment with neither side offering anything of note in the final third of the pitch. There is almost a sense of nervousness in the Rubin side as their passing becomes slower. A reminder that one goal for Levante would need Rubin needing two. A score draw would see the Spanish outfit advance to the final eight.
End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes as Rondon fires wide for the home side before El Zhar threatens on the break down the other end. But in keeping with the match thus far, neither comes close to opening the scoring. I think it would be safe to say that one goal wins it at this stage. Unforgivingly freezing conditions in Russia as we approach the latter stages of normal time.
The away side make their second change of the match as El Zhar is replaced by Pedro Rios. The former has been arguably one of Levante's better players this evening, but he was tired in the last 10 minutes or so. Half-chance for Levante as Barkero meets a cross in the area, but he can only clip wide of the target.
CHANCE! Wonderful effort from Natcho as the midfielder strikes from distance, but Navas palms over the crossbar. That could be the decisive moment in this match. The resulting corner is fired into the box by Eremenko, but Navarro rises to clear at the vital moment.
Rubin have just started to take control of the possession in the last few moments with Natcho and Orbiaz combining well in midfield. The latter strokes a pass towards Rondon, but the striker just cannot sort out his feet in time. Will we have a winner in the final seven minutes or so? It doesn't look likely I must say.
Valdo is involved for Levante as he takes possession away from Ryzhikov in a wide area, but his cross into the box is cleared by Marcano. In fairness, both teams are going for the win in the latter stages, but still no real clear chances. As it stands, we will indeed need another 30 minutes and possibly penalties to separate the teams.
Another half-chance for the away side as Ruben collects a pass from Iborra, but Marcano is across to make a challenge at the vital moment. Even the home supporters have been quietened in the last few moments with the tempo dropping. One goal now wins it. There is no question about that.
A poor pass from Natcho almost allows Barkero through on goal, but Marcano is across to challenge at the vital moment. The home side attempt to launch an immediate counter down the other end, but once more the final pass goes astray. Little over one minute of normal time remaining.
Rubin force the issue once more with two corners in quick succession, but Navarro, who has been sensational this evening, heads clear. Rondon comes close moments later, but his header is palmed wide by Navas. 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.
Not too much to report in the final minute of stoppage time with both teams seemingly accepting that the match will enter extra time. This had been on the cards this evening, neither has really done enough to deserve to be leading at this stage. But is there time for one last attack?
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END OF NORMAL TIME: Rubin Kazan 0-0 Levante
So there we have it. The two sides cannot be separated in 180 minutes of football, therefore we will enter extra time. If the teams cannot be separated in that period, then we will head for penalties.
The players have received their massages in the quick break, but there is no rest for the wicked as the action resumes. The temperature continues to drop in Russia, but that will not worry either side at this stage of the match. Will we have a goal in the next 30 minutes?
Change for the away side as Juanlu is introduced in place of Ruben Garcia. The Spanish outfit have made all three of their changed permitted, but Rubin have surprisingly not looked to their bench thus far. It will be interesting to see how both teams approach this period of football.
It's good pressure from the Russian outfit as Rondon collects a long pass from his goalkeeper before flicking his header towards Kasaev, but the Russian can only fire his effort over the crossbar. Not too much from Levante in the extra-time period with the Spanish outfit defending their own penalty area.
It may be 0-0 in freezing temperatures, but the supporters continue to sing their hearts out. That says an awful lot about them. Again it's good work from Rondon as the striker drives to the edge of the box, but Navarro is across to make the clearance. All one-way traffic in the opening seven minutes of extra time.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Rondon strikes an effort from distance, but it was always moving wide of the post. Levante just cannot string a period of possession together at the moment, while they do not really have an obvious attacking threat in the final third.
Little over three minutes of the first period of extra time remaining with the two sides still level at 0-0. It will either take something magical or a horror mistake for the deadlock to be broken. No real chances for either side in the added time.
GOAL! Rubin Kazan 1-0 Levante (Rondon)
Finally the deadlock is broken! It just had to be Rondon, who has been the best player on the pitch. It's good work from Kasaev as the Russian fires a low ball into the box, with Rondon on hand to turn home from close range.
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Better from Levante as Juanlu combines with Valdo before driving into the box, but the Spaniard is challenged by Kuzmin. The home side make their first change of the match as Kasaev is replaced by Dyadyun.
Another half-chance for Rondon as the collects possession outside the box before striking towards the top corner, but it just whistles past the post. Little under a minute of football remaining in the first period of extra time.
HALF-TIME EXTRA-TIME: Rubin Kazan 1-0 Levante
It took a long time in coming, but finally we have had a goal in this match. The home side just need to hold on the next 15 minutes or so to book their place in the final eight of the competition. Will we have late drama in Moscow?
No respite for either team as the two sides switch round before immediately restarting the match. Levante have used all three of their changes this evening, but Rubin have two to make if they so wish.
Barkero attempts to force the issue for the away side as he strikes an effort from distance, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Valdo attempts to force it moments later with a mazy run into the box, but Kuzmin is across to clear. Still no breakthrough for the Spanish outfit.
The Russian outfit are not interested in attacking at the moment as they sit in and ask Levante the question. Valdo continues to look the most likely for Levante as he fires a low cross into the box, but once more there are just no takers. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in this mammoth tie.
Levante continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area as Diop collects possession before dancing to the edge of the box, but once more Kuzmin is across to clear the danger. A corner arrives moments later, but a huge header from Marcano clears the penalty area. Levante just need the one goal to advance from this tie.
Half-chance for Levante as Ballesteros strikes an effort form distance, but Ryzhikov is across to make the save. The pressure continues with yet another corner, but the Rubin goalkeeper takes all the pressure off with a wonderful claim.
GOAL! Rubin Kazan 2-0 Levante (Dyadyun)
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Rubin wrap this tie up on the counter as Dyadyun meets a pass from Rondon before advancing into the box and stroking into the corner of the net. Wonderful finish from the Russian. This match is done and dusted.
It is cruel on Levante, but they just have not done enough to deserve to advance from this match. Rubin have been the better side all evening and will be in the draw for the final eight. Levante continue to press with a series of high balls into the box, but still they cannot find the elusive goal.
In fairness to Levante they have not let their heads drop as they continue to fire crosses into the penalty area, but you have to praise the Rubin defence for their performance this evening. Slightly bitty end with both sides guilty of committing a host of fouls as Kislyak comes on to replace Karadeniz for Rubin.
Another half-chance for the away side as Juanfran advances into the box, but his effort is just wide of the post. Diop has a half-chance moments later as he meets a cross from Lell, but his header is over the crossbar. Little over one minute of this Europa League fixture remaining.
FULL-TIME: Rubin Kazan 2-0 Levante
So there we have it. The two teams could not be separated by 180 minutes of football, but two goals in extra time secured Rubin's passage into the final eight of the competition. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for a host of Europa League ties this evening.
