Europa League

Levante 0 - Rubin Kazan 0

Levante: Keylor Navas; Pedro López, Ballesteros, David Navarro, Juanfran; Diop (Pedro Ríos 67'), Iborra; Barkero, Michel, Rubén García (Juanlu 79'); Martins. 4-2-3-1.

Rubin: Ryzhikov; Kuzmin, Sharanov, Marcano, Ansaldi; Orbaiz, Natcho; Karadeniz, Roman Eremenko, Kasaev (Kaleshin 52'); Rondón (Dyadyun 85'). 4-2-3-1.

Goals: None.

Spain's continued presence in this season's Europa League is in the balance after last survivors Levante were held to a 0-0 draw by Rubin Kazan on Thursday. The Valencia based side got off to a flying start, Ballesteros heading Barkero's corner against the crossbar in only the second minute, and Martins and Rubén both tested Ryzhikov soon afterwards. Ex Málaga striker Rondón caused some problems for Keylor Navas later in the first half, but either side of the break Michel brought the save of the night out of the keeper and then headed a Barkero cross over the top.

The forward got himself sent off however for a hard tackle on Karadeniz just two minutes after Ansaldi was also red-carded for a second bookable offence, and there was a brief lull before Barkero and Martins both went close. In the end though Levante were grateful for a draw after Rondón looped a header against the bar and Natcho fired a shot against the foot of the post, and all will be decided in Moscow next week.