Rubin Kazan vs Levante Preview

Kazan, who knocked out holders Atletico Madrid in the previous round, claimed a creditable goalless draw when the sides met in the first leg of their last-16 tie in Valencia last week.

The tie now switches to Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium with Kazan, despite failing to claim an away goal, in good heart.

Forward Jose Rondon said: "We will approach the game in the same way we approach all our games, and like we approached Atletico Madrid.

"We will play the second leg with the same mindset and the same desire."

Kazan are also buoyed by a successful return to domestic league action, following their winter break, last weekend.

Rondon was the man on target as Kazan claimed a 1-0 win over another Europa League team in Zenit St Petersburg.

The Venezuelan was one of his side's chief threats last week and, along with team-mate Bebras Natcho, he hit the woodwork late on.

Levante were the better side earlier on and also hit the bar through Sergio Ballesteros.

Kazan defender Cristian Ansaldi and Levante midfielder Michel both miss the return after being sent off last week. Kazan are also without Spanish defender Cesar Nevas through suspension.

Levante, 10th in the Spanish competition, also drew 0-0 when they hosted Getafe at the weekend.

Levante goalkeeper Keylor Navas said: "What we have to do is stay focused, defend well and try to take advantage of their mistakes.

"We hope to continue in this competition and keep dreaming, and we'll give everything to qualify for the next round."

There will be one notable change to Levante's line-up from last week with striker Obafemi Martins, who joined the Spaniards from Kazan last September, having moved to Seattle Sounders.