Two scores to settle

Roger Bogunyà

Kazan will be the venue tonight (18.30, GolT) for a repeat of one of the season’s Champions League duels. Barça, with doubts over Messi, are looking to get their second European win against a Rubin side that they failed to beat last time.

But morale is high after four consecutive wins against Panathinaikos, Atletico Madrid, Sporting and Bilbao. FC Barcelona are once again producing the kind of form that has brought them eight trophies in just two seasons. They also know how to learn from their mistakes. A year ago they lost at the Calderón and drew at San Mamés, but they have recently won games at those previously traumatic venues. Now it’s time to settle their score with Rubin Kazan.

One out of six a year ago
The Tartar side stunned FCB in both meetings in the last edition of the Champions League. At the Camp Nou they won 2-1, and then held the defending champions to a 0-0 draw at the Centralny in Kazan. That was five points FC Barcelona dropped against the Russian League outfit, making them the only side other than Chelsea that Barça have not beaten in teo meetings under Guardiola. But now it’s time to change history, as has already been done against Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao.

Questions about Messi

The other big talking point ahead of the crunch encounter is over striker Leo Messi. The Argentinian has been out for ten days since being on the receiving end of a Ujfalusi tackle and has yet to be declared fully fit. But he has been training normally and clearly wants to play, although such an immediate return to action may be a risky move. At least the weather is more favourable this year in Kazan, and that’s good news if he is named in the team.

Rubin Kazan in need
Rubin Kazan are in need of points after losing to Copenhagen in their opening match. Two of last year’s stars have since left the club, ‘Chori’ Domínguez and Semak, but they have been well replaced by the likes of Martins and Carlos Eduardo. But they will know that if they fail to get any points out of this game, then their second round options will be very limited indeed. To avoid defeat to Barça for the third time would be excellent news for Rubin Kazan.