Rubin reject Dynamo Kiev’s hospitality

Rubin Kazan are now close to joining fellow Russian Premier League sides Zenit and CSKA in this season's Champions League. The Tatarstan side took a huge step towards achieving that on Tuesday night, beating Dynamo Kiev away in the first leg of the third qualifying round. Alan Kasaev put them in front just 6 minutes into the game, while Bibras Natkho ensured Rubin a 2-0 win on 68th minute from the spot. The two-time Russian champions will host Kiev in Kazan in the second leg next week. Three out of seven other games down for consideration Tuesday evening ended in draws. Ekranas and Bate Borisov failed to find the net. The Apoel-Slovan game was also scoreless, while Zestafoni and Sturm wrapped up 1-1. In the remaining fixtures, Wisla, Racing Genk and FC Twente came out winners, while Rangers suffered a shock defeat at home to Malmo. The second legs are next week as well.