Rubin Kazan started the European campaign as Russian champions and on the back of a promising time in Europe in 2009-10. However, things haven't gone to plan for them as they have lost the championship in Russia and are on the verge of elimination from the Champions League altogether.
Rubin are currently third in Group D with just three points from four matches and are four points behind tonight's opponents Copenhagen. The Tatars have yet to win in Europe so far this season but they have to register a victory at the Central Stadium to maintain their already slim chances of progress to the second round.
Kurban Berdyev's side aren't in great form either as their 2-2 draw with newly crowned Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg at the weekend consigned them to third place in the table. But Berdyev is confdent that his players can display an improved perfomance tonight.
"Copenhagen are possibly in better shape now than on Matchday 1," pondered Berdyev. "They look more mobile and mentally stronger. Ståle Solbakken has built a good team and organised them in defence and attack.
"What are our chances of qualifying? Well, the situation was complicated by our home draw against Panathinaikos. We will try our best and leave that question till the last matchday."
On The Brink Of Qualification
Copenhagen have been one of the surprise packages of the Champions League so far this season as well as one of the most impressive teams. They held Spanish champions Barcelona to a 1-1 draw at home on Matchday 4 and are now just a point behind them in second place with seven points.
A win in Kazan tonight will see the Danish champions go through to the second round of Europe's most premier club competition and will also maintain their chances of finishing in pole position in Group D. Even a draw in Russia will be enough for Copenhagen to book a place in the Round of 16 should Barcelona register a victory against Panathinaikos in the other match in the group.
Coach Stale Solbakken, though, is aware of Rubin's desperate situation and says, "We are looking forward to the game and know it will be difficult. Rubin have to win while we can go through with a draw. However, we will try for three points even though we know Barcelona have not won here in two attempts."
He adds, "We have great respect for Rubin. They are a top team and know how to play together, which is even more important than to have a big star. If we succeed it will be the best night in our club's European history – especially taking into account that there are four national champions in our group."
TEAM NEWS
Rubin Kazan
Carlos Eduardo is sidelined with a knee injury he suffered against Spartak Moscow earlier this month. Obafemi Martins missed Saturday's match against Zenit St. Petersburg because of flu but he trained on Tuesday and should be fit for tonight's game.
Copenhagen
Defender Solvi Ottesen has stayed behind in Denmark as his wife is due to give birth. But forward Morten Nordstrand is fit and running again as he has shrugged off his thigh and groin problems.
Prediction
Rubin Kazan need to win to maintain any chance of qualifying for the next round but Copenhagen have looked strong and confident on the road in Europe. The Russians have yet to win at home in the Champions League but the Danish champions will make it extremely tough for them. This is a very difficult game to call and one suspects that a single goal would settle the scores. Rubin are likely to find that winner.
Rubin Kazan 1-0 Copenhagen 
