With Lionel Messi starting on the bench Pep Guardiola opted for a defensive minded midfield with both Busquets and Mascherano starting alongside Xavi. The decision to start Mascherano in place of Keita may have in hindsight stifled Barcelona’s offense as they dominated possession but had few opportunities on goal.

Barcelona featured Iniesta and Pedro on the wings with David Villa playing in the middle, it was Pedro who would have the first opportunity to open up scoring in the 12th minute off a great pass from Villa that Pedro got a little too far under sending the ball off the cross bar.

In the 26th minute David Villa came close when Iniesta’s cross was deflected sending the ball out to Villa just inside the box. Villa controlled the ball with his chest but his volley sent the ball just wide of goal.

Rubin Kazan looked to have Barcelona’s number having beaten them on their home pitch last season in Champions League action and drawing at home. In minute 29 things did not look good for Barcelona. Kazan’s Kalashin was taken down from behind by Dani Alves in the box and was awarded a penalty kick that Noboa blasted his attempt past a diving Valdes for the first half lead bringing the home crowd to life. Kazan protected their lead going into the half.

To start the second half Guardiola decided to not make any changes to his lineup. Barcelona continued to dominate possession early on but Rubin Kazan’s defense held up against anything Barcelona brought at them.

About 10 minutes into the second half Guardiola gave the nod to Lionel Messi to begin loosening up, hoping that Messi would bring some life to the offense.

Before Messi could step on the pitch a clumsy challenge by Salukvadze on Iniesta inside the box resulted in Barcelona being awarded a penalty kick of their own. David Villa stepped up to take the shot and his attempt barely got under the reach of Kazan keeper bring Barcelona level with 30 minutes still left in the match.

Following Villa’s goal Lionel Messi entered the match for the practically invisible Javier Mascherano. Though his appearance lifted the spirits of his teammates they were unable to capitalize.

The math ended with a draw continuing Guardiola’s frustration with the Russian side as he has yet to defeat the club in three opportunities.

Following the draw Barcelona slipped to second place in Group D on four points, two behind their next opponents FC København.