Mixed feelings for Rubin's Domínguez

It is a measure of how far FC Rubin Kazan have come in such a short period that winning their first point in the UEFA Champions League against two-time European Champion Clubs' Cup winners FC Internazionale Milano should be tinged with a sense that they might have done even better.

Domínguez strike
Rubin were only promoted to the Russian top flight for the first time in 2002 and after clinching their maiden title last season were not expected to make much of an impression in Group F up against luminaries FC Barcelona, FC Dynamo Kyiv and Inter. Kurban Berdyev's side, however, proved they could have a telling impact on the section by holding the Italian champions to a 1-1 draw, with goalscorer Alejandro Domínguez believing they might have taken all three points from the Italian champions.

'Lacked something'
"We had possibilities to win it," the 28-year-old Argentinian told uefa.com. "We played well, but lacked something. We failed to make the difference, so we drew. But we are happy with the result and with how the team played." Domínguez put Rubin ahead with a thumping drive on eleven minutes. Aleksandr Bukharov touched a long ball from defence into his stride, and after bursting past centre-backs Lucio and Walter Samuel into the area, the striker fired powerfully into the roof of the net. Dejan Stanković pulled Inter level 16 minutes later and although Rubin dominated the closing stages following the dismissal of Mario Balotelli on the hour, they were unable to find a way through.

'Well organised'
It was Domínguez's second goal in as many Group F games after scoring his side's 3-1 loss to FC Dynamo Kyiv, and his eleventh strike in ten matches, seven of which have come from the penalty spot. Despite his individual moment of brilliance, Domínguez believed Rubin's strength lay elsewhere. "We were well organised and this made things tricky for Inter," he said. "There are always things to improve, but we are happy with this draw. The team played well, so we are content."

Barcelona next
Midfielder Sergei Semak believes there is more to come from Rubin. "On one hand, it is our first point in the Champions League, on the other it looks more like we lost two points, rather than gained one. We played better overall [than against Dynamo] and could have scored the second to win the game. We gave all we had." Rubin's next test comes on 20 October when they travel to holders Barcelona. "It is difficult to expect anything," Semak said. "We will do our best. It all depends on us. There is a chance, although it will be hard to beat Barcelona."