Champions Barca stunned by Russians Rubin

BARCELONA: Holders Barcelona suffered their first Champions League defeat in 10 matches on Tuesday when goals from Aleksandr Ryazantsev and Gokdeniz Karadeniz gave Rubin Kazan a shock 2-1 win in their Group F clash.

Barca were rocked back by the Russian champions in the second minute at the Nou Camp when midfielder Ryazantsev let fly from distance and the ball arrowed past Victor Valdes into the top right corner.

Pep Guardiola's side had plenty of possession after falling behind but found it tough to break down Rubin's well-organised defence until Xavi picked out striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic with a lofted pass in the 48th minute.

The Sweden striker controlled with his chest and crashed a low shot past Sergei Ryzhikov from the right of the area but Barca fell behind again after a swift Rubin break engineered by Alejandro Dominguez.

The Argentine striker released the pacy Karadeniz and the Turkish international finished with ease past Valdes with 17 minutes of normal time left.

Ibrahimovic sent an acrobatic volley against the crossbar, Xavi stung Ryzhikov's hands with a fierce drive and Yaya Toure headed against a post in the fourth minute of added time but Barca were unable to find a second equaliser.

The final whistle prompted wild celebrations among the small knot of Rubin fans in the vast Nou Camp arena and Inter's 2-2 home draw with Dynamo Kiev means Rubin are in with a real chance of advancing to the knockout phase.

Barca, Rubin and Dynamo all have four points after three games in Group F.