Wednesday football as it happened

GOALFLASHES AND MAJOR INCIDENTS (all times GMT)

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action

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By Caroline Cheese

2200: Another sparkling night of action in the Champions League. I must apologise to the group stage for ever doubting it. Stevo returns tomorrow for a spot of Europa League action. Lovely.

2155: The next games, or Matchday 5 as it's known in Uefa-land, are on 24 and 25 November. Liverpool will be at Debrecen on the 24th, while Barcelona host Inter Milan in the Group of Death, and Arsenal host Standard Liege needing only a point to guarantee their place in the last 16.

2154: Former Chelsea full-back and Unirea coach Dan Petrescu will be forced to put his hand in his pocket after his side's draw with Rangers. The reverse psychologist apparently bet his players that they would not pick up another point in the group after their unexpected win in Glasgow.

2153: My head hurts... Liverpool now need to win both their last two games and hope Fiorentina slip up against Lyon. Even then, they may have to beat the Italian side by a considerable margin. Basically, they're in a right pickle.

From Alastair via text on 81111: "We're as good as out now, and by no means a top four certainty this year. It's not injuries, it's not lack of investment. Rafa has failed unequivocally to build a competitive squad and its showing."

2144: Liverpool need... a miracle. We're just trying to figure it out now. Rangers still have a chance. Their draw in Romania leaves them three points behind second-placed Unirea and a point behind Stuttgart with two games remaining.

2143: In the Champions League, the bottom line is that Lyon and Sevilla join Bordeaux, Porto, Manchester United and Chelsea in the last 16.

2141: Late drama all over the place... Let's start with Upton Park where Zavon Hines's goal is enough to lift West Ham out of the bottom three, but Martin O'Neill will no doubt have complaints about the penalty, and the sending off of Habib Beye. I did think it was a penalty on first look - but plenty of you disagree.

2139: FULL-TIME West Ham 2-1 Aston Villa

West Ham goal: Upton Park has exploded. Scott Parker plays the ball in from the left and Zavon Hines coolly moves the ball on to his right foot and finishes high into the net. Martin O'Neill looks aghast.

2138: GOAL West Ham 2-1 Aston Villa

2135: FULL-TIME Unirea 1-1 Rangers

2135: FULL-TIME Lyon 1-1 Liverpool

2134: FULL-TIME Arsenal 4-1 AZ

Euro Danny: "Oh my stars. It's Dynamo Kiev 1-1 Inter Milan - Diego Milito has levelled for Jose Mourinho's men with four minutes to go. And Wesley Snejder has made it 1-2 with one minute to go! Huge boost for Mourinho, they've made themselves Group F favourites in the space of three minutes. Elsewhere, it's Standard Liege 2-0 Olympiakos, that'll deny Arsenal qualification tonight."

Lyon goal: Ball headed into the Liverpool box and Sotiris Kyrgiakos misses it, leaving Lisandro Lopez and Cris queuing up to shoot. Lopez does - and we're already into injury time.

Unirea goal: Another long range effort leads to a goal, as Unirea winger Marius Onofras receives a pass to the left of the box and hits a screamer past Allan McGregor.

2133: GOAL Lyon 1-1 Liverpool

Habib Beye trudges off for Aston Villa after picking up his second yellow for upending Jonathan Spector. Beye, who was earlier booked when he gave away the penalty, looks a touch unlucky.

2129: GOAL Unirea 1-1 Rangers

2129: RED CARD Aston Villa (Habib Beye)

Euro Danny: "Consonant fans will be delighted to hear that Zdravko Kuzmanovic has equalised for Stuttgart in Seville with an unstoppable drive to make it 1-1. That'll deny Sevilla automatic qualification tonight, although they remain on course. Could be a real battle - including Rangers - for the other spot in Group G."

Liverpool goal: BOOM. Substitute Ryan Babel picks up the ball about 25 yards out, takes a couple of touches to his right and unleashes an absolute screamer into the top corner. Stunning. That's what £11m buys you.

2126: GOAL Lyon 0-1 Liverpool

AZ goal: Not quite a perfect night for Arsenal then as Jeremain Lens is sent through by Brett Holman and he runs virtually from the halfway line before beating Manuel Almunia with a well-struck effort.

2123: GOAL Arsenal 4-1 AZ

Rangers goal: In the end, it's a mistake and a long-range effort (see 2117) which breaks the deadlock. Lee McCulloch hits a speculative effort from 25 yards, which bounces six yards out and flies into the net. Unirea's returning number one Gledrius Arluaskas has to take some blame for not getting down to the shot. Unirea immediately push for an equaliser.

2120: GOAL Unirea 0-1 Rangers

2119: Less than 15 minutes remaining at Stade Gerland and the Lyon fans have suddenly ramped up the noise.

Euro Danny: "Is there time for late drama at Fiorentina? Adamo Coulibaly nets with a free header and it's Fiorentina 4-2 Debrecen. Fellow Group E hopefuls Liverpool will certainly hope the unlikely comeback from the Hungarian outsiders is on. Oh hang on, that's that. Alberto Gilardino flicks in a header and it's 5-2."

2117: Still goalless in Bucharest too. Kenny Miller has missed a second good chance, the Rangers striker scuffing a shot when six yards from goal. Unirea's coach Dan Petrescu is a frustrated figure on the touchline. So far it looks as if a mistake or long range effort is the only chance of the deadlock being broken.

From Spencer, Watford, via text on 81111: "I've already sat through the Barca 0-0 and now I'm watching Lyon and Liverpool not score. Is it me?"

Arsenal goal: Exhibition stuff from Arsenal now, with Abou Diaby finishing off a flowing counter-attacking move involving Eduardo and Andrey Arshavin - who else? - with a neat side-footed strike.

2111: GOAL Arsenal 4-0 AZ

2111: Hugo Lloris comes to Lyon's rescue again, the keeper palming away Lucas's shot, before Dirk Kuyt's hopeful overhead is booted off the line.

2110: Top stuff, but on to some important substitutions: Ryan Babel replaces the popular Andriy Voronin for Liverpool. For Arsenal, Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas get a rest. Aaron Ramsey and Eduardo are on.

2108: Remember our friend Rafael Sarkov from the BBC's Russian Service? He's only managed to grab a word with Rubin's famously shy manager Kurban Berdyev after his side's goalless draw with Barcelona earlier. "I think we played great tactically and that is entirely our players' achievement because of their commitment and discipline. They felt more confident themselves after the second draw with Inter in Kazan which had a truly positive effect. I can't single out any heroes, the whole team played two very good matches with Barcelona."

2106: Alberto Aquilani, Ryan Babel and David Ngog all warming up for Liverpool now. Less than half an hour remaining for Liverpool. Lyon certainly haven't posed much of a threat tonight - but then, they know a draw will be enough to see them into the last 16.

2103: And I can exclusively reveal it's now Fiorentina 4-1 Debrecen as the Hungarian side concede three goals in 10 minutes. Lovely finish dinked over the keeper by Marco Marchionni.

Euro Danny: "They're well on the way in Italy. It's Fiorentina 3-1 Debrecen after Riccardo Montolivo finishes from close range. Shoddy defending from Debrecen and that does little for Liverpool's Group E hopes."

From HighburyGhost on 606: "Me thinks the press massively overrated the threat from Lyon."

BBC 5 live's Mark Lawrenson in Lyon: "Liverpool don't need to force it but they need to get the ball into wide areas a little earlier."

Euro Danny: "Not such good news in Group E for Liverpool. A brave header from Dario Dainelli restores Fiorentina's lead, and they're now 2-1 up against Debrecen. A Fiorentina win isn't a complete disaster for the Reds, but it's certainly a disadvantage."

Aston Villa goal: Why score a penalty when you score a wonder goal from near the touchline? From wide on the left, Ashley Young cuts onto his right foot and curls the ball over Rob Green's head and into the far corner. I think that may have been designed as a cross...

2057: GOAL West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa

2055: MISSED PENALTY West Ham's Manuel da Costa contests the ball with James Collins and manages to swing a boot into the Villa defender's head - but Ashley Young's penalty is saved by Rob Green, low to his left.

Arsenal goal: Third goal for Arsenal, and a second assist for Andrey Arshavin. The little Russian slips the ball through for Cesc Fabregas to lift his third goal in four Champions League games past the keeper.

2052: GOAL Arsenal 3-0 AZ

2051: Martin O'Neill makes a half-time change, bringing ex-West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker on for Emile Heskey. Don't know if Heskey was injured, but if not, that's a blow for the England striker.

2049: And the games at Lyon and West Ham are back off and running again.

2047: They're off again at the Emirates and the Steaua Stadium where Unirea are facing Rangers - all seems to be calm now.

BBC 5 live reporter Andy Gillies in Bucharest: "There has been some trouble in the section where the Rangers supporters are housed. Some visiting fans have clashed with the stewards. Seats were ripped up and thrown. Things appear to have calmed down a little bit, but for a few minutes things got extremely nasty."

2040: Ashley Young was booked too, and Habib Beye saw yellow for the initial challenge. Frantic last few minutes for Steve Bennett. Anyway, wasn't exactly a stonewall penalty but I'd say Bennett was about right.

2035: Former Hammers defender James Collins is booked on the way off as he makes his complaints to referee Bennett. Martin O'Neill has to step in to drag his players away as the Villa players make their feelings known.

2034: HALF-TIME West Ham 1-0 Aston Villa

West Ham goal: Zavon Hines is brought down by Habib Beye - and Steve Bennett points to the spot. Mark Noble smashes the penalty high into the net to give the Hammers a potentially priceless lead at half-time.

2033: HALF-TIME Lyon 0-0 Liverpool

2033: GOAL West Ham 1-0 Aston Villa

2032: PENALTY TO WEST HAM

2031: HALF-TIME Unirea Urziceni 0-0 Rangers

2030: HALF-TIME Arsenal 2-0 AZ

Arsenal goal: Andrey Arshavin plays in Samir Nasri, who turns the defender brilliantly and finishes low into the corner.

2028: GOAL Arsenal 2-0 AZ

Euro Danny: Gergely Rudolf has possibly delivered an early Christmas present for Rafael Benitez. He's only gone and levelled with a fine volley for bottom side Debrecen in the Group E match at Fiorentina - if the Hungarians can grab anything in that match it will be a boost for the Reds.

2026: Rangers keeper Allan McGregor makes a top drawer save after Sorin Frunza jinks past Steven Whittaker, but Rangers are really struggling to control the Romanians just now.

2025: And here is that change: Miralem Pjanic is replaced by Ederson in midfield.

2023: Fernando Torres is hunched over with his hands on his knees as he waits for a throw-in. He is a long way from 100%. Lyon are getting ready to make a second change...

From Jonny in Birmingham, via text on 81111: "I like seeing Voronin play. It gives me hope that I might one day play in the Champions League."

Euro Danny: "Standard Liege go 1-0 up against Olympiakos thanks to Dieudonne Mbokani. Should they win that, it will deny Arsenal the chance to secure qualification tonight, although the Gunners will remain firmly on course if they win."

2019: They're dropping like flies at West Ham, where Carlton Cole has followed Herita Ilunga to the dressing room after likewise pulling up suddenly with some sort of hamstring problem. Cole's replacement is Zavon Hines, who receives a rousing welcome from the Upton Park faithful.

2019: Liverpool defender Daniel Agger booked after bringing down Bafetimbi Gomis... and now it's one apiece, as Lisandro Lopez drags back Dirk Kuyt.

2017: Both teams are beginning to adapt to the sodden conditions in Romania, as Vasile Maftei tests Rangers keeper Allan McGregor with a free kick from 35 yards and the visitors reply immediately through a mazy run but weak finish from Kenny Miller.

2015: Action at both ends at Upton Park, Mark Noble drawing Brad Friedel's first meaningful save of the night at one end before efforts from Stiliyan Petrov and Gabriel Agbonlahor force Rob Green to palm over at the other.

2014: Long ball over the top and here's a GREAT CHANCE FOR ANDRIY VORONIN. Oh. He shoots too close to the keeper.

2013: I'm sure Andriy Shevchenko won't have enjoyed scoring against his old Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho... No, no.

Euro Danny: "Group of Death fans will be wanting to cast their eyes over to Group F right now. Big news as Andriy Shevchenko puts Dynamo Kiev 1-0 up against Inter Milan. That would put Kiev top and leave Inter rock bottom - and give Barcelona a few nerves with two games to go..."

Arsenal goal: Cesc Fabregas cuts inside onto his right foot and shoots through the defender's legs, beating Sergio Romero at his near post. Keeper will be disappointed, and Fabregas looks almost embarrassed to celebrate. As it stands, Arsenal qualify.

2010: GOAL Arsenal 1-0 AZ

2007: Lyon appear to be targeting Jamie Carragher at right-back, Lisandro Lopez and Aly Cissokho doubling up to test out the Liverpool captain.

2004: Lyon are forced into an early change after only 18 minutes, with Lamine Gassama replacing the injured Anthony Reveillere in defence.

2003: News from elsewhere in Europe comes from the appropriately-named Euro Danny: "Big news from the other matches in the groups involving Liverpool and Rangers. In the Reds' group, Fiorentina are 1-0 up against strugglers Debrecen thanks to Adrian Mutu's cheeky header - that's not great news for Rafa Benitez's side, although hardly surprising. Elsewhere, Jesus Navas finishes a slick move to put Sevilla 1-0 up against Stuttgart. As it stands, Sevilla qualify."

2002: Dirk Kuyt slides in to win a ball in the area, picks himself up and stabs the shot towards the top corner but Hugo Lloris makes a fingertip save.

2001: After starting promisingly West Ham have been forced into an early change, with Jonathan Spector coming off the bench to replace Herita Ilunga. The man who Sunderland boss Steve Bruce labelled a "pansy" for his reaction to a foul by Kenwyne Jones at the weekend has limped off with what looks like a hamstring injury.

2000: Quite an open game at the Stade Gerland. Aly Cissokho plays a dangerous ball across goal from the left for Lyon, but Liverpool clear.

1957: First chance for Liverpool. Emiliano Insua's cross is deflected into the path of Fernando Torres, but Hugo Lloris keeps out the Spaniard's sidefooted effort with his legs.

1956: ... But Robin van Persie smacks it against the 10-man wall.

1955: LOVE IT. AZ keeper Sergio Ranero picks up a backpass and Arsenal have a free-kick on the corner of the six-yard box...

BBC 5 live's Mark Lawrenson in Lyon: "It's almost five against five in midfield at the moment."

From DeleriumDon6345 on 606: "Re 1936: I actually quite like Ngog. He is a willing runner, and he links play well. If they are not going to start him when they are desperate for results, when will they?"

1949: Michel Bastos has a go with his right foot for Lyon and it bounces awkwardly in front of Pepe Reina, but the Liverpool keeper collects.

1948: Robin van Persie flashes a shot wide of the far post after a sweeping Arsenal move.

1945: Got a grip on those hats? Good. We're off.

From freeland, via text on 81111: "Re 1936: But isn't that the point? I'm generally a fan of Benitez but the paucity of the squad after several years in charge and a fairly substantial budget is shocking."

1943: Danny Wilson starts alongside David Weir in Rangers' defence. That's a 22-year age gap.

1940: For those of you who weren't with us earlier, SHAME ON YOU. But if you scroll down to 1754 GMT, you'll find the permutations for Liverpool tonight.

From Ed in Notts, via text on 81111: "David Ngog is world class compared to Voronin. But I say Liverpool to win 2-1."

1936: I know there's some, ahem, discontent about Andriy Voronin starting tonight. But really, what were the options? The terminally disappointing Ryan Babel? David Ngog?

1931: Lyon, by the way, only need a draw tonight to secure their place in the last 16. They haven't beaten an English side on home soil since a 1-0 victory over Spurs in the Cup Winners' Cup in 1967.

From ajt__1989 on 606: "Barcelona still favourites? Technically they just lost on aggregate to Rubin Kazan."

1924: TEAM NEWS Arsenal v AZ
Arsene Wenger makes three changes from the Arsenal side that beat rivals Tottenham at the weekend for the visit of AZ Alkmaar, with Samir Nasri making just his second start since breaking a leg in July and full-backs Kieron Gibbs and Emmanuel Eboue also coming in, the injured Gael Clichy and Nicklas Bendtner and Bacary Sagna making way. Tomas Rosicky, meanwhile, starts on the bench following a knee problem. AZ Alkmaar are without former Spurs striker Mounir El Hamdaoui due to a muscle injury, meaning Graziano Pelle and Moussa Dembele start in attack.

1923: That result means Group F remains wide open. Inter Milan could move from bottom to top with a victory at Dynamo Kiev tonight.

1921: FULL-TIME Rubin Kazan 0-0 Barcelona

1920: TEAM NEWS Unirea Urziceni v Rangers
Seventeen-year-old Danny Wilson makes his Champions League debut at centre half for Rangers in Bucharest, despite having only made two first team starts. Lee McCulloch returns to play in the anchor role in midfield, but Pedro Mendes and Madjid Bougherra both miss out through injury. Kyle Lafferty takes the place of French international Jerome Rothen who was dreadfully exposed during the 4-1 embarrassment at Ibrox. Unirea keeper Giedrius Arlauskis returns after missing the win in Glasgow with injury, but Bruno Fernandes misses out with a thigh strain.

1919: Cross from the right eludes everyone - and Thierry Henry doesn't seem to be expecting it, the ball hitting the Barca substitute and dribbling into the keeper's arms. Moments later, he races clear on the left but slices his shot high and wide.

1917: TEAM NEWS West Ham v Aston Villa
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola makes three changes to the team that frittered away a two-goal lead against Sunderland at the weekend. A defensive reshuffle sees Julien Faubert and Manuel Da Costa come in for Jonathan Spector and James Tomkins, both of whom drop to the bench, while Scott Parker returns from a one-game ban to replace the suspended Radoslav Kovac. Villa make two changes to the side that drew at Everton on Saturday. Habib Beye deputises for the suspended Carlos Cuellar at right-back, while James Milner's failure to recover from a calf injury sees John Carew return to partner Emile Heskey up front. That means Gabriel Agbonlahor will probably drop back into midfield as Villa go in search of a win that would move them into four.

1915: TEAMS Unirea Urziceni v Rangers
Unirea Urziceni: Arlauskis, Brandan, Maftei, Galamaz, Bordeanu, Apostol, Gomes, Balan, Varga, Bilasco, Frunza. Subs: Tudor, Mehmedovic, Paraschiv, Paduretu, Onofras, Nicu, Semedo.
Rangers: McGregor, Whittaker, Wilson, Weir, Papac, Naismith, Davis, McCulloch, Thomson, Lafferty, Miller. Subs: Alexander, Boyd, Novo, Rothen, Beasley, Smith, Fleck.

1915: TEAMS Lyon v Liverpool
Lyon: Lloris, Reveillere, Cris, Toulalan, Cissokho, Pjanic, Makoun, Kallstrom, Gomis, Lopez, Michel Bastos. Subs: Vercoutre, Ederson, Govou, Delgado, Tafer, Gassama, Gonalons.
Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Agger, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Lucas, Mascherano, Kuyt, Voronin, Benayoun, Torres. Subs: Cavalieri, Aquilani, Babel, Ngog, Spearing, Darby, Ayala.

1914: TEAMS West Ham v Aston Villa
West Ham: Green, Behrami, Upson, Faubert, Ilunga, Da Costa, Parker, Noble, Collison, Franco, Cole. Subs: Kurucz, Jimenez, Spector, Tomkins, Diamanti, Hines, Stanislas.
Aston Villa: Friedel, Beye, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Agbonlahor, Petrov, Sidwell, Ashley Young, Heskey, Carew. Subs: Guzan, Luke Young, Albrighton, Delfouneso, Delph, Reo-Coker, Shorey.

1913: TEAMS Arsenal v Az
Arsenal: Almunia, Eboue, Gallas, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song Billong, Diaby, Fabregas, Nasri, van Persie, Arshavin. Subs: Mannone, Sagna, Senderos, Rosicky, Eduardo, Ramsey, Silvestre.
AZ: Romero, Jaliens, Moisander, Moreno, Poulsen, Dembele, Mendes Da Silva, Schaars, Martens, Holman, Pelle. Subs: Didulica, Pocognoli, Lens, Ari, Wernbloom, Van der Velden, Swerts.

From Mike in Scotland via text on 81111: "Re 1857: Finally a bit of hope for a Rangers fan, not that we are going to win in Europe this season but we might produce a half decent youngster in Danny Wilson, fingers crossed."

1906: PANIC in the Barcelona defence as Aleksandr Bukharov gallops through on goal again - but Victor Valdes is quick to react, and saves at the substitute's feet. Carles Puyol completes the clearance. Thierry Henry will be on shortly for Barca. He's just taking a few layers off.

1905 LYON TEAM NEWS
Lyon forward Bafetimbi Gomis scored as a substitute in last Saturday's win against Saint-Etienne and he starts, with Sidney Govou relegated to the bench. Midfielder Jeremy Toulalan will again play in central defence with Jean Alain Boumsong out injured.

1902: Big chance for Rubin striker Aleksandr Bukharov from a lovely ball over the top by Alejandro Dominguez. The substitute opts to take a touch instead of shooting first time and Victor Valdes can gather.

1857: A bit of Arsenal team news: Samir Nasri is in the starting line-up. Rangers? Seventeen-year-old Danny Wilson, as expected, starts in central defence.

From anon via text on 81111: "Re 1846: Every Liverpool fan in the land just groaned. Prove them wrong Voronin!"

From andrewrjones on Twitter: "If I was Lyon, I would defend with 11 men until Torres is subbed then go for the winner."

1853: So that Liverpool team looks like this: Reina, Carragher, Agger, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Kuyt, Lucas, Mascherano, Benayoun, Voronin, Torres. Subs: Cavalieri, Aquilani, Babel, Ngog, Spearing, Darby, Ayala.

1851: LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres may not be fully fit but he starts along with Andriy Voronin in attack. Daniel Agger returns after a back injury and will be partnered by Sotirios Kyrgiakos in central defence as Jamie Carragher moves over to right-back to replace Glen Johnson. The Reds' £20m summer signing Alberto Aquilani is on a very youthful looking bench.

From liver-brilliant-pool on 606: "Re 1846: my very substantial stomach just turned inside-out. Voronin beside Torres? Is Rafa a closet masochist?"

1846: BREAKING LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS
Fernando Torres starts with Andriy Voronin. Alberto Aquilani is on the bench.

From chizzleface on Twitter: "You forgot FC United Of Manchester who are playing against Lancaster City in the Carlsberg Trophy..."

1840: No, no, West Ham and Aston Villa fans, I haven't forgotten that game either. Goalflashes will follow from Upton Park, when it kicks off at 1945 GMT along with all the other Champions League fixtures.

1836: No, no, Arsenal fans, I haven't forgotten. The Gunners host AZ Alkmaar at the Emirates tonight. If they win and Standard Liege don't beat Olympiakos, Arsenal will be through to the last 16.

1832: As quick as it takes me to get to the canteen and pick up a mediocre chilli and rice, half-time in Kazan is over and they're back under way.

BBC Russian Service's Rafael Saakov at the Central Stadium: "Former Rubin director Ilgiz Fahriyev, who is the head of the Kazan city sporting committee, told the BBC before the game that after the win in Barcelona, Rubin Kazan has been mentioned in 145 countries' media. 'Such victories work on our image in the world - people know that there is such a strong team and such city as Kazan which is recognized now by many as the sports capital of Russia', said Fahriyev. The city has two more national champions - Ak Bars in hockey and Zenit in volleyball while basketball team Uniks are the Russian Cup holders."

1818: Half-time at the Central Stadium where it remains goalless. Time for me to take a short break to find some food. See you very, very soon.

1815: Up later, Rangers are at Unirea Urziceni, looking to at least restore some pride after that 4-1 thumping at Ibrox two weeks back. There has been heavy rain in Urziceni today, but the game is set to go ahead. Rangers are bottom of Group G with a point, but a win tonight would put them right back in contention.

1811: Now Sergei Ryzhikov is in action at the other end. A clever Zlatan Ibrahimovic free-kick catches the Rubin defence sleeping and Andres Iniesta is through on goal, but his shot is smothered by Ryzhikov.

1810: Barca keeper Victor Valdes makes his first save of the match, and it's a decent one too, diving low to his left to keep out Alexander Ryazantsev's low shot.

1802: Argentine forward Alejandro Dominguez, who impressed at the Camp Nou, is again looking dangerous for Rubin, making several tricky runs down the left.

From Pete via text on 81111: "Dreading Liverpool's team tonight. Let's pray Voronin ain't playing."

1758: By the way, the picture is at 1734 is of Pep Guardiola.

1754: Liverpool's game at the Stade Gerland is not a must-win, but it's as good as. If Rafa's side lose and Fiorentina beat Debrecen, that would leave Liverpool needing to win their final two games against Debrecen and Fiorentina. They would also need Fiorentina to lose to Lyon. And they would also need to beat the Italians by more than two goals. So it's not exactly straightforward.

From The King of Spain on 606: "I'm feeling confident of a Liverpool result tonight we always manage to produce something when our backs are against the wall."

1749: Cheeky Xavi tries to chip the keeper from just outside the box. Bet he wishes he'd wellied it now. Rubin looking quite dangerous on the break.

1747: Right, enough work from me. Text 81111, head for 606 or Twitter.

1743: Barca still lead Group F despite that defeat - but they are level with Dynamo Kiev and Rubin on four points. Draw specialists Inter Milan, who are in Kiev tonight, are on three points.

1739: Dani Alves is back at right-back for Barca after recovering from a thigh injury. Thierry Henry is also fit again but only on the bench. Barca, of course, are looking for revenge after their shock 2-1 defeat by Rubin a couple of weeks ago. Central defender Gerard Pique wears tights in a bid to keep out the chill.

BBC Russian Service's Rafael Saakov at the Central Stadium: "Rubin are without one of the best strikers of the Russian premier league, Aleksander Bukharov, who also missed the match at the Camp Nou because of a hand injury. Last weekend he scored twice in the championship against Krylia Sovetov. Attacking duo is the same as two weeks ago with Alejandro Dominguez and Gokdeniz Karadeniz. Rubin's 30,000-capacity Central Stadium is a full house already."

Guess who?

1734: Early news from Kazan: it is reet chilly. Minus 4C in fact, and there is snow on the ground. Barca coach Pep Guardiola literally wrapped himself up yesterday during training - and he's not looking a lot happier as he shivers on the bench tonight. He's also just seen Zlatan Ibrahimovic create a golden opportunity to open the scoring - and hit the post.

1730: Hello. A special, extended live text tonight, just because I was a bit bored and Neighbours has gone off a bit lately... Ooh, and also: Barcelona are kicking off against Rubin Kazan right now and Liverpool have quite an important game against Lyon later, so I thought you might want some company.