Preview: Atletico Madrid vs. Rubin Kazan

Atletico Madrid vs. Rubin Kazan

The majority of bookmakers have rated holders Atletico Madrid as the big favourites to progress through to the last 16 of the Europa League at the expense of Rubin Kazan over two legs.

After all, Los Rojiblancos are attempting to win the competition for what will be the third time in just four seasons.

They also have a positive home record, having not lost a match in Europe's second tournament since they were defeated 3-2 by Aris Thessaloniki in December 2010.

Atletico can also boast the clinical Radamel Falcao, who has scored 30 goals in the Europa League that have left him 10 short of Henrik Larsson's record.

However, Kazan have positive memories of their visits to Spain. In 2009 they caused an upset by beating eventual winners Barcelona 2-1 in the Champions League at Camp Nou.

This is the fourth campaign in succession that the Russian side have reached this stage.

Recent form

Atletico Madrid: DWWLWL

Rubin Kazan: WDLLLL

Possible starting lineups

Atletico Madrid: Courtois; Miranda, Juanfran, Cisma, Godin; Gabi, Suarez, Turan, Koke; Adrian, Falcao

Rubin Kazan: Arlauskis; Bocchetti, Kuzmin, Ansaldi, Marcano; Sharonov, Orbaiz, Karadeniz, Eduardo; Kasaev, Rondon

Sports Mole says: 3-1

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