Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Barcelona beats Rubin Kazan 2-0 to stay unbeaten




 Barcelona second-string players Andreu Fontas and Victor Vazquez scored in a 2-0 win over Rubin Kazan on Tuesday to ensure the Spanish club ended the group stage of the Champions League unbeaten.

Barcelona had already sealed top spot in Group D, ensuring coach Pep Guardiola selected mostly reserve players and they completed the team's first win in four attempts against the Russian club.
Rubin finished third in the group and will play in the Europa League.

Fontas scored in the 51st minute, receiving a pass from Thiago Alcantara and hitting a shot that bounced off a Rubin player before trickling across the goal line.
Vazquez sealed the victory in the 82nd minute with a low right-footed strike.
With no result to play for, Guardiola rested starters Xavi Hernandez, David Villa, Dani Alves, Pedro Rodriguez as well as often used midfielder Seydou Keita.
Barcelona dominated the possession in a slow-paced opening, but the visitors shared the few scoring chances thanksto various incursions by left back Cristian Ansaldi, who almost sneaked a low shot at a tight angle past Pinto's left post after 15 minutes.
Thiago, along with an active Adriano, provided the little spark Barcelona had in attack.
Barcelona's first half saw more injuries than scoring opportunities. Guardiola had to change both Suarez and Krkic, who left his team without a natural striker.
With Bojan's exit in the 32nd, Barcelona switched back to its standard fourman defensive line to stop Rubin's attacks down the left side.