New York Times: Barcelona stunned by Rubin

21 October 2009, 16:16

(Kazan, October 21, Tatar-inform). Holders Barcelona suffered a stunning 2-1 home defeat by Russia's Rubin Kazan while Liverpool lost by the same score to Olympique Lyon at Anfield on a night of high drama and late goals in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Barcelona fell behind after two minutes at the Nou Camp when Aleksander Ryazantsev scored from long range.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalized in the 48th minute but Gokdeniz Karadeniz restored the visitors' lead 20 minutes from time and, despite a series of late attacks, Barca could not prevent their first defeat in the competition in 10 games.

"These things happen. It's not the first time and I doubt it will be the last," New York Times quotes Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola told a news conference. "I didn't feel like we played a bad match."

The results leave Group F, which had looked a two-horse race at the start, too close to call with Barcelona, Kiev and Rubin all on four points and Inter on three after three draws.

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