FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.11.2009 12:16

Unbeaten in Champions League games in Russia

Jordi Clos

Barca's game in Kazan on Wednesday will be their fourth in Russia and their first outside of Moscow in the Champions League, where they have previously faced CSKA, Lokomotiv and Spartak and have yet to taste defeat.

Since the destruction of the USSR in 1991, FC Barcelona have now visited Russia on four occasions – in the previous three they have faced CSKA, Spartak and Lokomotiv and have come away with two draws and win.

1992/93: CSKA Moscow 1- FCB,1

After struggling to overcome the Norwegian team Viking Stavanger rather more than expected, Barca travelled to Russia looking for a good result as they defended the title won at Wembley the season before. The 1-1 draw, thanks to a Begiristain goal, was decent enough, but the Russians spoilt the party in the return game at the Nou Camp beating Barca 2-3 and dumping them out of the competition.

1993/94: Spartak Moscow, 2 - FCB, 2

Two years later, Barca returned to the Russian capital to face Spartak in the third game of their Champions League group. Barca appeared to have things under control, two goals from Stoichkov and Romario leaving them 2 up with thirteen minutes to play before the hosts pulled back a couple of goals to draw the game. The result didn't affect Barca too much though and they finished top of the group.

2002/03: Lokomotiv Moscow, 1 - FCB, 3

Louis van Gaal's team were inconsistent in the domestic competition, but implacable in Europe. This was one of the 11 unbeaten European games they chalked up, beating Lokomotiv 1-3, thanks to goals from . Kluivert and Saviola(2).