I dunno what happened in the Nou camp as I didn’t watch that game. All I know is I was shocked when I learnt Barca lost at home to a side with as little experience on the continental scene as the Russian champions are.
Another thing I know is that Barca will not lose to Kazan twice. The title defenders will be out not only to restore leadership of the group, but restore their image and avenge their pride as well.
Rubin will be happy with Bukharov playing this time around. He missed their win in Spain but already made his comeback netting a brace for them in the league.
The rural Russian outfit are on route to retain their domestic title despite facing fierce competition from Spartak Moscow. Bothe will have to face CSKA Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg in the remaining 3 weeks of the league and one point is all that separates the two from eachother.
So while Rubin may harbour aspirations to qualify for the next round of the CL it certainly won’t be at the expense of their domestic title campaign. Not after they’ve come this far and not when they know for sure they cannot possibly win the CL trophy anyway.
So, what am I saying here? A clear away win for me. The odds –of course- are scandalous on face value, but if you had any faith in Guardiola’s men at all you would still be comfortable accepting them.
Pick:
Barcelona win @ 1.53 w/ Unibet