Rubin Kazan, Standard Liège through in Europa League

(GSM) – Rubin Kazan of Russia and Belgium’s Standard Liège both booked berhs in the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday after aggregate wins over Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Salzburg, respectively.

The Russians held a comfortable 3-0 lead from the first leg into Thursday’s game in Israel, and they moved on easily after a 0-0 draw in the second match.

The Israelis struggled in attack all evening as the Russians executed a superb defensive gameplan. Defender Douglas came close inside 20 minutes when he headed over the top, and Rubin goalkeeper Sergei Ryzhikov did well to stop both Gil Vermouth and Itay Schechter later on.

The home side produced no other meaningful attacks, and the Russians progressed safely.

Matters were not so comfortable for Standard as they managed to cling to a 3-2 aggregate win after a goalless draw of their own in Austria against Salzburg.

But, much like Hapoel, Salzburg lacked the proper initiative to take control of the tie, needing only a single goal without reply to progress.

Standard goalkepeer Sinan Bolat made a few key saves on Marc Janko and Dusan Svento in the first half, but also threatened on the other side, forcing Eddie Gustafsson to stay alert.

The best chance for the key goal actually went to Standard late when when Steven Defour headed over, and Salzburg narrowly went out.