Rubin and Panathinaikos stumble to bore draw

Russian champions Rubin Kazan and Greek outfit Panathinaikos fought out their second successive 0-0 draw in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The result left Rubin in third place with three points from four matches, three behind second-placed Copenhagen, who play leaders Barcelona later on Tuesday.

Panathinaikos remain bottom of Group D with two points and with only a slim chance of reaching the knockout stage.

The hosts, who desperately needed to win to keep their chances of advancing to the knockout stage alive, seized the initiative soon after the kick-off.

But the visitors defence remained solid stifling Rubin attacks, and the hosts did themselves few favours by lacking accuracy and focus in the decisive moments.

Rubin managed only one clear chance in the first-half through Alexander Ryazantsev’s header in the 40th minute but Panathinaikos goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas was equal to the task.

The second-half was a turgid affair with both teams failing to dominate until late in the match when Rubin turned up the pressure but Tzorvas was in complete command and produced an impressive set of saves.