Despite both teams having spotkick and hitting the wood work in each half, it was far from an even match up, with Barça having over 70% of the possession.
The Catalans got into their usual rythem from kick off and nearly went ahead on 12 minutes when David Villa played Pedro in and his first time shot struck the bar.
Rubins lack of attack made them look unlikely they would score, until they were awarded a penatly on the 28th minute. Victor Valdes failed to clear a loose ball and it was played back into the path of Vitali Kaleshin who was brought down by Dani Alves. Christain Noboa scored to give the home side the lead.
Pedro then had his and Barça's 2nd chance of the game but his first time volley drifted wide of the goal
Rubin Kazan continued to defend deep and sit back in the second half, Barça didn't panic and continued to pass the ball and look for an opening.
In the 54th minute, Iniesta made a run
into the box and was brought down, the referee award a pentaly and was converted by David Villa, who now has two goals in two Champions League Games.
Shortly after, Messi came on for Mascherano in his first game back from the ankle injury he suffered at Atletico Madrid two weeks ago.
Alves should of gave the three time European Champions the lead when he found himself on the end of a poor back pass, with his back to goal, he failed to score on the turn.
Messi, who was playing in midfield, ran onto a deflected through ball from Iniesta but shot straight at the keeper.
Barça continued to press and could of won the game in the last minutes. Iniesta found space insdie the box but his shot just missed the target.
Rubin Kazan's defensive mentality has once again frustrated Barcelona, similar to how Inter and Chelsea both played last year against the total football philosophy adopted by Pep Guardiola. Rubin Kazan's return to the Camp Nou in a few weeks will be an interesting affair, if Barça are to win the Champions League then they need to beat defensive minded teams, like Rubin.
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