Most Spurs fans would be forgiven for knowing little about tomorrow night’s opponents Rubin Kazan. In fact, little was known in the footballing world as a whole until they emerged from nowhere to win the national Championship in 2008.
The club was formed back in 1936 and carried on for most of the following decades without making any impact in Soviet football. Then, with the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990’s, they were granted status in the Russian first division despite the fact that they had never played in the Soviet Union’s top tier.
After ownership changes, they finally made their mark with back to back championships in 2008 and 2009 and although they have yet to repeat those feats, they will be a formidable opponent tomorrow.
Notable members of their current squad include Obafemi Martins, who became an instant hero for many Spurs fans with his winning goal for Birmingham in last season’s Carling Cup final. With Martins still feeling his way back after injury, our defence will need to look out for the experienced pair of Aleksei Medvedev and Igor Lebedenko.
Rubin have started the campaign well, and although they stuttered to an unexpected home draw against PAOK in the last round of matches, it’s widely thought that their two games against Spurs will decide who tops this group.
A Russian Magician