Champions League Betting: Rubin Kazan vs. Barcelona

After stunning Barcelona 2:1 at Campu Nou, Rubin Kazan fans are anxiously awaiting the return tie against Barcelona at Centralniy Stadium in the Tartar capital, hoping for a second straight sensational result. Rubin Kazan thrilled not only their fans but captivated the imagination of many as they proved to be the surprise package on matchday 3.

Rubin Kazan have come a long way in international football and they will be looking to delight home fans who just six years ago had never even witnessed top-flight football. And top-flight football is exactly what they will see as the world-class outfit Barcelona, and the reigning European champions, descends on them on Wednesday.

Soccer Betting Line:

FC Rubin Kazan +1 +105 +600 3 O +120 U -140 1 O +115 U -135 Draw +300
FC Barcelona -1 -125 -200 3 O +120 U -140 2 O -115 U -105 Draw +300

Venue: Centralniy - Kazan - Russia
Match Time: 02:45 PM Eastern Time Wednesday November 4, 2009

Soccer Betting Verdict: Rubin Kazan currently are third in Group F but they are level on points at 4 with top placed Barcelona and second placed Dynamo Kyiv. To say this group is wide open is the understatement of the year.

There is everything to play for, as this group is yet to be decided. Two spots in the knockout stages are up for grab and Rubin are definitely in the race. They know it and you can bet Barcelona know it too. Heck, Rubin could even take control of the race with a second-consecutive victory over Barcelona. Heady thoughts indeed. Moreover, a tad worrying for Barcelona, a side that all had through to the knockout stages without a hiccup.

Barcelona have to be the biggest disappointment in the heavyweight category of the Champions League. They were expected to take immediate control of their group but they didn’t get off to an encouraging start when they drew scoreless with Inter Milan. They took all three points against Dynamo Kyiv but frankly were lucky to do so. They had a perfect opportunity to take another three points when Rubin visited Campu Nou a fortnight ago. That opportunity now gone and wasted they have to recover lost ground and save face on matchday 4.

Barcelona were rattled and frankly humiliated before their fans by an outfit that many underestimated. They probably underestimated them as well and paid for it. This time they won’t be underestimating them but they are at a bit of a disadvantage being the visitors and all. The market however is confident of a Barcelona renaissance.

Yet, Barcelona have not played up to their standard, and until they start looking like the champions, they are supposed to be, they cannot expect to be taken seriously. Not by Rubin who just beat them.

Rubin are emboldened right now and optimistic about their chances. The coup de grace would be a second consecutive victory over the Spanish outfit and honestly, after their brave effort at Campu Nou their odds are too tempting to waste.

Soccer Free Picks: Rubin Kazan +600| Over 3 +120