Rubin Kazan against Tottenham Hotspur

Really solid performance from Ryazantsev, he's been a real driving force in the second half.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Eremenko on for Ryazantsev

From taking a Spurs free-kick at one end Pienaar is left defending at the other - just about preventing Karadeniz from working an opening.

Kane tries to inspire Spurs by attempting to work an opening on the edge of the box but he can't find a shot.

Karadeniz with an awful first touch, otherwise he would have been clean through. In the end. Bassong is back to clear up.

Spurs looking fairly bereft of ideas in attack at the moment.

Great display from Kasaev, best Rubin Kazan player in my opinion.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ansaldi on for Kasaev.

Wonder what Heurelho Gomes is thinking on Tottenham's bench. Might be a while before he sees some first-team action again.

Valdez thwarted by Cudicini this time.

Positive attacking play from Falque down the left but again the final ball doesn't trouble the Rubin defence.

Another smart stop from Cudicini. Noboa with a great run from midfield and he then crossed in to Karadeniz whose header was stopped by the feet of Tottenham's goalkeeper.

Livermore looks long but he's some way off finding a team-mate.

Townsend nudges Natcho over.

I don't think I can remember Rubin goalkeeper Ryzhikov being tested at all in this game.

Kane to deliver from the left, but Rubin clear it straight out.

Valdez incandescent after being penalised for bringing down Pienaar.

Just prior to that, Ryazantsev saw his fierce long-distance strike dip just over the bar.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Kane on for Pavlyuchenko.

I can't stress how bad that free-kick 'routine' was for Spurs. Wonder if that was one out of the Kevin Bond playbook.

Pienaar fouls Noboa on the right touchline.

Wasted with a short ball and Rubin break with numbers forward.

Spurs free-kick as Karadeniz fouls Pienaar.

Spurs fans hoping Parrett can repeat Gallas' performance.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Parrett on for Gallas.

Not sure exactly what has happened there. But Bassong has the armband.

Gallas is asking to come off.

Both Pienaar and Falque have been considerably quieter since half time.

Then a misplaced pass ends the move. It's been a very flat second-half display from Spurs.

And then back to the left.

Townsend brings Spurs forward down the left, before play is switched to the right.

Livermore and Falque with a neat exchange but then Livermore gives the ball away. Disappointing.

But the assistant's flag is raised for offside.

Defoe suddenly finds himself in space...

His first contribution is to concede a free-kick on the halfway line.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Nelson Valdez on for Martins.

Natcho delivered and Bocchetti was in acres of space. Had that been an attacker and not a defender, the ball may have been in the back of the net rather than the back of the stands.

Nelson Valdez warming up for Rubin, who have a free-kick tight against the right touchline.

But the ball was out of play when Falque crossed it. No goal.

Pavlyuchenko finds Falque with an incisive pass and he crosses for Defoe, who has it in the net.

Cesar's looping header from the resulting header drops just over the crossbar.

Another very smart stop from Cudicini, Ryazantsev found himself with the freedom of Tottenham's penalty area and shot across the Italian, who managed to turn it around the post for a corner.

Kasaev still full of running for the home side, enthusiastically chasing down every loose ball.

So as things stand, Rubin Kazan are moving top of Group A, ahead of Tottenham on goals scored.

Redknapp will be fuming back in England about the goal - really clumsy challenge from Bassong gave away the free-kick.

Spurs all at sea defensively and Gallas AGAIN called upon to prevent a goalscoring chance from Karadeniz's ball across the six-yard box.

<b>Rubin 1-0 Spurs</b>. Beautifully dipatched by Rubin's top scorer this season. Right in the corner and that's his second goal in four Europa League games.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Natcho curls it home.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Defoe booked for dissent too.

Foul on Ryazantsev by Basson on the edge of the box in a central position.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Bassong

Another important header by Gallas prevents the ball from reaching Martins.

Defoe penalised for handball after he picked the ball up thinking he had been given a free-kick.

Falque and Defoe link up well in midfield before Pienaar is sent tumbling by a foul.

Great run from Federicks, slaloming in and out and finding an angle for a shot. Side-netting, but positive stuff from the Spurs' right-back.

Natcho finds Kasaev, but he wrestled his way past Pienaar. Unfairly in the view of the referee.

Townsend does well to reach the byline with the ball but he's stretching as he crosses it, which means no danger for Rubin.

A foul on Pavlyuchenko brings respite for Tottenham.

Noboa hits it and it's a corner as it deflected off Pienaar in the wall.

Free-kick on the right edge of the box, plenty of potential contenders to take it with five men around the ball.

Kasaev with an early drop of the shoulder and Pienaar brings him down on the edge of the box.

And we're off...

Tweet here from @hotspurhorn: <i>"Considering Spurs are playing a reserve team, I'm pretty pleased. Oh and please don't let Gallas get hurt!!!!"</i>

Tweet here from @hotspurhorn: <i>"Considering Spurs are playing a reserve team, I'm pretty pleased. Oh and please don't let Gallas get hurt!!!!"</i>

Nearly ready to get things under way in the second half now.

I'd be interested to hear people's views on the game so far and during the second half. Contact me on Twitter - <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN</a>

For live updates and chat from all of tonight's other Europa League games, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live/_/id/979059/matchday-live---november-3?cc=5739" target="_blank">you can join Dec Warrington now</a>.

Hasn't been a great match for Redknapp to watch as he recovers from heart surgery so far as there have been plenty of nervy moments.

<b>HT: Rubin Kazan 0-0 Tottenham</b>. Spurs should be relieved that they are not behind as Rubin played some breathtaking attacking football at times, with Kasaev pulling the strings for them. Gallas and Cudicini have been the key men at the back for the North Londoners, and their youngsters are performing admiarably thus far.

There goes the referee's whistle and that's the end of the first 45.

Kaleshin made a great, late burst into the area but the pass to him was overhit.

One minute of added time will be played.

Pienaar manages to evade the challenges of several men in maroon - he and Falque have looked Tottenham's most creative players by far.

Bassong with a driving forward run. He finds Defoe who releases Falque down the right. Defoe was begging for a return ball as he waited on the edge of the box, but it didn't come and the move breaks down.

Livermore with an angled cross-field ball to Falque, who controls spectacularly on his chest, while in mid air.

He feeds Defoe who powers his way past Bocchetti and puts in a dangerous ball across the six yard box. Pavlyuchenko found wanting a bit there - he seemed to give it up when a goal looked a certainty and failed tor each the ball.

Pienaar with a chance to finally bring Spurs forward.

Spurs really hanging on at the moment.

Martins almost nods it home from Kasaev's inch-perfect left wing delivery. But it's a poor header in the end from the Nigerian striker.

Kasaev continuing to pull the strings for Rubin. He spreads the ball to Kaleshin on the right but it's another bad delivery. Easy pickings for an in-form Cudicini.

Natcho delivers to the near post, but Spurs hoof it clear.

Teasing cross by Kasaev is headed out for a corner by Bassong.

Relentless pressure from Rubin at the moment. It seems only a matter of time before they make the breakthrough.

ANOTHER save from Cudicini denies Rubin a goal, this time from a tight angle.

Poor cross from Karadeniz, when he had plenty of time to pick out a man in maroon.

Rubin have really fired back after a poor opening, the hosts have looked the more likely to score.

Noboa with another chance to latch on to a pass. but Gallas once again judges the situation to perfection.

Pienaar creates space on the edge of the box, but Rubin hold their line well.

And again Cudicini forced to make a save, from Bocchetti's swivel and shot. He then punched clear with Sharanov closing in. Sterling effort from the Italian.

What a save from Cudicini. Natcho unleashed a right-foot shot from 25 yards out and the Spurs keeper tipped it over as it looked to be dipping under the crossbar.

The game beginning to open up now...

Rubin have it in the net through Bocchetti, but the ref had already blown - penalising Sharanov for a push.

The ball dropped to Noboa, who struck powerfully from the edge of the box. Good save from Cudicini to tip it away for a corner.

Karadeniz tiptoes down the right, but his cross is turned away by Cudicini with a punch.

For a defender who has been missing through injury this season until now, Gallas has been excellent.

Superb tackle again from William Gallas, Ryazantsev fed Martins in and he would have had a clear goalscoring chance had the Frenchman not been alert.

He's swapped from his early position on the right flank and is now drifting down the left.

Wonderful control from Kasaev, takes the ball past Fredericks, tees himself up and then fires over the bar. Great skill.

Calm defending from Fredericks to chest the ball back to Cudicini with Kasaev in close attendance.

Martins collects the ball on the edge of the Tottenham box, but Gallas gets his boot in to clear the danger.

Another penetrating run from Townsend but now Natcho wins it back for Rubin.

It's all Spurs at the moment, they're passing it around with ease and their young players look to be relishing the challenge.

Fantastic run down the left flank from Townsend, showed real pace and purpose but couldn't find a team-mate with his cross.

Pavlyuchenko strikes from distance but it swerves wide of Ryzhikov's right-hand post.

Fredericks sprints down the line but isn't quite as fast as his Namibian 100m champion namesake Frankie.

Pavlyuchenko drops deep in a bid to get more involved.

Falque has shown a couple of decent touches so far, he could well prove a handful for the Rubin defence.

Kasaev with some very fancy footwork to escape the clutches of a host of white shirts, but Spurs eventually get it clear as his touch on the edge of the area was too heavy. Bright start from the Rubin No. 10. I appreciate him wearing a normal number too.

Defoe this time tries to engineer half a yard for a shot, but ends up pulling Ryazantsev's shirt and conceding a free-kick.

Boccheti does well under pressure from Falque, heading the ball back into his goalkeeper's arms.

Martins looks to latch onto a through-ball but Gallas calmly deals with it by dummying to kick the ball clear, thus allowing Cudicini to collect. Very calm from Gallas.

Falque creates some space just outside the area but as he winds up to shoot with his left, he's dispossessed.

Kasaev sporting Michael Jackson-esque white gloves. Wonder if he looked at the man in the mirror when he put them on.

Kasaev sprints with all his might to get to a long cross-field pass but he can't reach it before it goes out for a goal-kick.

Natcho looking tidy in possession in midfield for Rubin.

Rubin claim a penalty for a Gallas handball as he goes to ground to prevent a cross from making it into the danger zone. Referee not interested.

Bassong gives away a free-kick 35 yards out.

Pienaar spreads the ball across midfield. The South African sporting the rather stupid 'short-sleeved shirt with gloves' look.

Martins ruled offside and Cudicini launches the subsequent free-kick upfield.

No real action to report as yet, the ball just bouncing around in midfielder.

Exciting start, shame it wasn't provided by the players.

The referee makes a note of it in his book and gives the ball back to Tottenham with an unchallenged drop ball.

And a steward brings him down with a solid rugby tackle. Good work sir.

We have a fan on the pitch...

Spurs get us started and are content with knocking it around, Rubin yet to touch the ball.

And we're off...

Just the 2000-mile journey for Spurs for this one.

Looking forward to seeing how goo Iaagi Falque is - the attacking midfielder is on loan from Juventus.

So we're almost ready for kick-off as fifth in the English Premier League takes on sixth in the Russian Premier League.

This may be a touch trivial but I'm really not a fan of Rubin Kazan's ridiculous numbers. Natcho wearing No. 66, Sharonov wearing No. 76 and Obafemi Martins wearing No.5 - why?!

Redknapp has now returned home <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/979061/tottenham-hotspur-manager-harry-redknapp-leaves-hospital?cc=5739" target="_blank">after being released from hospital following a heart procedure. </a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1103/tottenhamwarmupvsrubin20111102_275x155.jpg"><br>Kevin Bond leads Spurs tonight in the absence of manager Harry Redknapp.

Obafemi Martins starts for Rubin as they look for a much-needed win after taking four points from their opening three games.

Roman Pavlyuchenko and Jermain Defoe start up front, while Carlo Cudicini gets the nod in goal ahead of Heurelho Gomes.

Spurs have handed William Gallas and Steven Pienaar their first starts of the season, with stand-in boss Kevin Bond heading into the match knowing a victory will ensure their progress.

Join us from 1700 GMT for live text commentary of Rubin Kazan v Tottenham in the Europa League.

Valdez incandescent after being penalised for bringing down Pienaar.

Just prior to that, Ryazantsev saw his fierce long-distance strike dip just over the bar.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Kane on for Pavlyuchenko.

I can't stress how bad that free-kick 'routine' was for Spurs. Wonder if that was one out of the Kevin Bond playbook.

Pienaar fouls Noboa on the right touchline.

Wasted with a short ball and Rubin break with numbers forward.

Spurs free-kick as Karadeniz fouls Pienaar.

Spurs fans hoping Parrett can repeat Gallas' performance.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Parrett on for Gallas.

Not sure exactly what has happened there. But Bassong has the armband.

Gallas is asking to come off.

Both Pienaar and Falque have been considerably quieter since half time.

Then a misplaced pass ends the move. It's been a very flat second-half display from Spurs.

And then back to the left.

Townsend brings Spurs forward down the left, before play is switched to the right.

Livermore and Falque with a neat exchange but then Livermore gives the ball away. Disappointing.

But the assistant's flag is raised for offside.

Defoe suddenly finds himself in space...

His first contribution is to concede a free-kick on the halfway line.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Nelson Valdez on for Martins.

Natcho delivered and Bocchetti was in acres of space. Had that been an attacker and not a defender, the ball may have been in the back of the net rather than the back of the stands.

Nelson Valdez warming up for Rubin, who have a free-kick tight against the right touchline.

But the ball was out of play when Falque crossed it. No goal.

Pavlyuchenko finds Falque with an incisive pass and he crosses for Defoe, who has it in the net.

Cesar's looping header from the resulting header drops just over the crossbar.

Another very smart stop from Cudicini, Ryazantsev found himself with the freedom of Tottenham's penalty area and shot across the Italian, who managed to turn it around the post for a corner.

Kasaev still full of running for the home side, enthusiastically chasing down every loose ball.

So as things stand, Rubin Kazan are moving top of Group A, ahead of Tottenham on goals scored.

Redknapp will be fuming back in England about the goal - really clumsy challenge from Bassong gave away the free-kick.

Spurs all at sea defensively and Gallas AGAIN called upon to prevent a goalscoring chance from Karadeniz's ball across the six-yard box.

<b>Rubin 1-0 Spurs</b>. Beautifully dipatched by Rubin's top scorer this season. Right in the corner and that's his second goal in four Europa League games.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Natcho curls it home.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Defoe booked for dissent too.

Foul on Ryazantsev by Basson on the edge of the box in a central position.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Bassong

Another important header by Gallas prevents the ball from reaching Martins.

Defoe penalised for handball after he picked the ball up thinking he had been given a free-kick.

Falque and Defoe link up well in midfield before Pienaar is sent tumbling by a foul.

Great run from Federicks, slaloming in and out and finding an angle for a shot. Side-netting, but positive stuff from the Spurs' right-back.

Natcho finds Kasaev, but he wrestled his way past Pienaar. Unfairly in the view of the referee.

Townsend does well to reach the byline with the ball but he's stretching as he crosses it, which means no danger for Rubin.

A foul on Pavlyuchenko brings respite for Tottenham.

Noboa hits it and it's a corner as it deflected off Pienaar in the wall.

Free-kick on the right edge of the box, plenty of potential contenders to take it with five men around the ball.

Kasaev with an early drop of the shoulder and Pienaar brings him down on the edge of the box.

And we're off...

Tweet here from @hotspurhorn: <i>"Considering Spurs are playing a reserve team, I'm pretty pleased. Oh and please don't let Gallas get hurt!!!!"</i>

Tweet here from @hotspurhorn: <i>"Considering Spurs are playing a reserve team, I'm pretty pleased. Oh and please don't let Gallas get hurt!!!!"</i>

Nearly ready to get things under way in the second half now.

I'd be interested to hear people's views on the game so far and during the second half. Contact me on Twitter - <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN</a>

For live updates and chat from all of tonight's other Europa League games, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live/_/id/979059/matchday-live---november-3?cc=5739" target="_blank">you can join Dec Warrington now</a>.

Hasn't been a great match for Redknapp to watch as he recovers from heart surgery so far as there have been plenty of nervy moments.

<b>HT: Rubin Kazan 0-0 Tottenham</b>. Spurs should be relieved that they are not behind as Rubin played some breathtaking attacking football at times, with Kasaev pulling the strings for them. Gallas and Cudicini have been the key men at the back for the North Londoners, and their youngsters are performing admiarably thus far.

There goes the referee's whistle and that's the end of the first 45.

Kaleshin made a great, late burst into the area but the pass to him was overhit.

One minute of added time will be played.

Pienaar manages to evade the challenges of several men in maroon - he and Falque have looked Tottenham's most creative players by far.

Bassong with a driving forward run. He finds Defoe who releases Falque down the right. Defoe was begging for a return ball as he waited on the edge of the box, but it didn't come and the move breaks down.

Livermore with an angled cross-field ball to Falque, who controls spectacularly on his chest, while in mid air.

He feeds Defoe who powers his way past Bocchetti and puts in a dangerous ball across the six yard box. Pavlyuchenko found wanting a bit there - he seemed to give it up when a goal looked a certainty and failed tor each the ball.

Pienaar with a chance to finally bring Spurs forward.

Spurs really hanging on at the moment.

Martins almost nods it home from Kasaev's inch-perfect left wing delivery. But it's a poor header in the end from the Nigerian striker.

Kasaev continuing to pull the strings for Rubin. He spreads the ball to Kaleshin on the right but it's another bad delivery. Easy pickings for an in-form Cudicini.

Natcho delivers to the near post, but Spurs hoof it clear.

Teasing cross by Kasaev is headed out for a corner by Bassong.

Relentless pressure from Rubin at the moment. It seems only a matter of time before they make the breakthrough.

ANOTHER save from Cudicini denies Rubin a goal, this time from a tight angle.

Poor cross from Karadeniz, when he had plenty of time to pick out a man in maroon.

Rubin have really fired back after a poor opening, the hosts have looked the more likely to score.

Noboa with another chance to latch on to a pass. but Gallas once again judges the situation to perfection.

Pienaar creates space on the edge of the box, but Rubin hold their line well.

And again Cudicini forced to make a save, from Bocchetti's swivel and shot. He then punched clear with Sharanov closing in. Sterling effort from the Italian.

What a save from Cudicini. Natcho unleashed a right-foot shot from 25 yards out and the Spurs keeper tipped it over as it looked to be dipping under the crossbar.

The game beginning to open up now...

Rubin have it in the net through Bocchetti, but the ref had already blown - penalising Sharanov for a push.

The ball dropped to Noboa, who struck powerfully from the edge of the box. Good save from Cudicini to tip it away for a corner.

Karadeniz tiptoes down the right, but his cross is turned away by Cudicini with a punch.

For a defender who has been missing through injury this season until now, Gallas has been excellent.

Superb tackle again from William Gallas, Ryazantsev fed Martins in and he would have had a clear goalscoring chance had the Frenchman not been alert.

He's swapped from his early position on the right flank and is now drifting down the left.

Wonderful control from Kasaev, takes the ball past Fredericks, tees himself up and then fires over the bar. Great skill.

Calm defending from Fredericks to chest the ball back to Cudicini with Kasaev in close attendance.

Martins collects the ball on the edge of the Tottenham box, but Gallas gets his boot in to clear the danger.

Another penetrating run from Townsend but now Natcho wins it back for Rubin.

It's all Spurs at the moment, they're passing it around with ease and their young players look to be relishing the challenge.

Fantastic run down the left flank from Townsend, showed real pace and purpose but couldn't find a team-mate with his cross.

Pavlyuchenko strikes from distance but it swerves wide of Ryzhikov's right-hand post.

Fredericks sprints down the line but isn't quite as fast as his Namibian 100m champion namesake Frankie.

Pavlyuchenko drops deep in a bid to get more involved.

Falque has shown a couple of decent touches so far, he could well prove a handful for the Rubin defence.

Kasaev with some very fancy footwork to escape the clutches of a host of white shirts, but Spurs eventually get it clear as his touch on the edge of the area was too heavy. Bright start from the Rubin No. 10. I appreciate him wearing a normal number too.

Defoe this time tries to engineer half a yard for a shot, but ends up pulling Ryazantsev's shirt and conceding a free-kick.

Boccheti does well under pressure from Falque, heading the ball back into his goalkeeper's arms.

Martins looks to latch onto a through-ball but Gallas calmly deals with it by dummying to kick the ball clear, thus allowing Cudicini to collect. Very calm from Gallas.

Falque creates some space just outside the area but as he winds up to shoot with his left, he's dispossessed.

Kasaev sporting Michael Jackson-esque white gloves. Wonder if he looked at the man in the mirror when he put them on.

Kasaev sprints with all his might to get to a long cross-field pass but he can't reach it before it goes out for a goal-kick.

Natcho looking tidy in possession in midfield for Rubin.

Rubin claim a penalty for a Gallas handball as he goes to ground to prevent a cross from making it into the danger zone. Referee not interested.

Bassong gives away a free-kick 35 yards out.

Pienaar spreads the ball across midfield. The South African sporting the rather stupid 'short-sleeved shirt with gloves' look.

Martins ruled offside and Cudicini launches the subsequent free-kick upfield.

No real action to report as yet, the ball just bouncing around in midfielder.

Exciting start, shame it wasn't provided by the players.

The referee makes a note of it in his book and gives the ball back to Tottenham with an unchallenged drop ball.

And a steward brings him down with a solid rugby tackle. Good work sir.

We have a fan on the pitch...

Spurs get us started and are content with knocking it around, Rubin yet to touch the ball.

And we're off...

Just the 2000-mile journey for Spurs for this one.

Looking forward to seeing how goo Iaagi Falque is - the attacking midfielder is on loan from Juventus.

So we're almost ready for kick-off as fifth in the English Premier League takes on sixth in the Russian Premier League.

This may be a touch trivial but I'm really not a fan of Rubin Kazan's ridiculous numbers. Natcho wearing No. 66, Sharonov wearing No. 76 and Obafemi Martins wearing No.5 - why?!

Redknapp has now returned home <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/979061/tottenham-hotspur-manager-harry-redknapp-leaves-hospital?cc=5739" target="_blank">after being released from hospital following a heart procedure. </a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1103/tottenhamwarmupvsrubin20111102_275x155.jpg"><br>Kevin Bond leads Spurs tonight in the absence of manager Harry Redknapp.

Obafemi Martins starts for Rubin as they look for a much-needed win after taking four points from their opening three games.

Roman Pavlyuchenko and Jermain Defoe start up front, while Carlo Cudicini gets the nod in goal ahead of Heurelho Gomes.

Spurs have handed William Gallas and Steven Pienaar their first starts of the season, with stand-in boss Kevin Bond heading into the match knowing a victory will ensure their progress.

Join us from 1700 GMT for live text commentary of Rubin Kazan v Tottenham in the Europa League.