Zvjezdan Misimovic fired a crucial away goal to seal a 1-1 draw for Wolfsburg against Rubin Kazan.
Misimovic on target to give Wolfsburg vital away goal
Zvjezdan Misimovic fired a crucial away goal to seal a hard-fought 1-1 draw for Wolfsburg in their Europa League round of 16 first-leg clash against Rubin Kazan.
Cristian Noboa gave the hosts the lead after 29 minute, but Misimovic pounced after 67 minutes for the German champions, curling into the top corner following Edin Dzeko's lay-off.
An inconsistent Bundesliga campaign has given the Wolves little chance of retaining their league crown, but they will now be favourites to progress in next week's second leg at the VW-Arena.
Reigning two-time Russian champions Rubin went into the game having not played a competitive match since clinching their most recent title before Christmas.
However, with the new season due to commence at the weekend, they were back up to speed and ready for the visit of the Wolves thanks to a 1-0 victory in the Russian Super Cup against CSKA Moscow last weekend.
Rubin's Macbeth Sibaya had an effort blocked by Sascha Riether before Dzeko had a shot saved by Sergei Ryzhikov at the other end.
Alexander Orehov headed Noboa's free-kick wide from 12 yards after 14 minutes and Sibaya and Alan Kasaev each shot over for Rubin Kazan.
Dzeko headed Misimovic's free-kick off target before the latter had an effort from 18 yards parried away by Ryzhikov.
Obafemi Martins shot over from 18 yards for Wolfsburg before the hosts took the lead.
Opener
Cristian Ansaldi's cross was headed back across goal by Hasan Kabze and Noboa found the net with a left-footed effort from 12 yards.
Gokdeniz Karadeniz went close to doubling the advantage two minutes later, but Hitz saved a shot from 18 yards.
Peter Pekarik fired wide from 18 yards and Christian Gentner had a right-footed shot from 25 yards tipped over by Ryzhikov as Wolfsburg pressed for an equaliser.
Alexander Bukharov shot off target from the edge of the area as Rubin's advantage remained at the interval.
Kabze then had an effort blocked early in the second period and Kasaev shot over from 18 yards soon after.
Rubin were soon indebted to goalkeeper Ryzhikov as he turned Misimovic's effort from the edge of the area around the post.
But Wolfsburg's pressure paid off when Dzeko and Misimovic combined for the latter to net into the top corner from just inside the box.
Ansaldi shot wide from long range shortly afterwards but Rubin could not find a winner.
