Rubin Kazan made light of a three-month...

Young Russian forward Alexander Bukharov made the difference on an appalling-looking pitch, scoring two fine goals in the first half and teeing up veteran midfielder Sergei Semak for the third midway through the second period.

The return leg will take place in a week"s time in Israel - where temperatures could be 40 degrees above the -14 C registered on the thermometer in Kazan at kickoff - but barring a major upset the Russian champions should go through to face either Villereal of Spain or Germany"s Wolfsburg in the next round.

Bukharov, the top Russian goalscorer in the country last year but a controversial omission from the Russia side defeated by Slovenia in the World Cup playoff last November, opened the scoring on 14 minutes, flicking a long pass over his marker before heading the bouncing ball beyond the goalkeeper and slotting home.

Bristling with confidence and purpose, the 24-year-old then lashed home a left-footed volley from close range after a cross

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