Barca won't be stung by Rubin Kazan again, says Pique

FC Barcelona's Gerard Pique at a training session on the eve of their Champions League match against Rubin Kazan. Pic/AFP

The Russians had their illustrious opponents reeling when they won 2-1 in the Nou Camp last term, and followed that by holding Barcelona 0-0 in Kazan.

Defender Gerard Pique played in both games, and knows Pep Guardiola's team must perform better this time.

"We are favourites on paper but last year we showed that we couldn't win either match," Pique said yesterday.

"It's a test to see how he can perform away from home in Europe. They (Rubin) are championship winners."

Pique warned that failure against the Russian title winners "cannot happen again", and Barcelona's prospects could be improved by the availability of Lionel Messi.

Guardiola offered no assurances about Messi's potential involvement, and the ankle injury he sustained nine days ago remains a concern.

However the Argentinian world player of the year travelled in Barcelona's squad and could have a role to play.
"The first thing is to see how Leo's ankle is," said Guardiola.

"He will train, we'll talk to him and the doctors. We will consider the state and decide. His health comes first."

Pique hopes Barcelona can call on Messi, saying: "He's in good condition, but it's the manager's decision whether he plays or not."

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