Berdyev rues Rubin's luck of the draw

Coach Kurban Berdyev was left to bemoan FC Rubin Kazan's cruel fate as for the second time in three draws his team were paired with the "toughest opponent we could get". Having vanquished UEFA Europa League holders Club Atlético de Madrid in the last 32, the Russian side will have to overcome European champions Chelsea FC if they are to reach the last four.

David Barnard, Chelsea secretary
It's Rubin Kazan and it'll be a new experience for us; we've never come across them before. There again, no matter who we'd drawn it would have been a difficult game, because obviously for teams to get to this stage they must be good and given the respect they deserve.

I am pleased to avoid an English team because we'll obviously be playing them so many times this season. But at some point, if we are to reach the final, I am sure we will meet an English team along the way. You know, if we reach the final of the Europa Cup and we win that, then for one week we will be double European champions, which is something. [Winning all three major UEFA competitions] would be a great thing for the club, something we can reflect on in future years.

Kurban Berdyev, Rubin coach
Like in the round of 32, we got probably the toughest opponent we could get. But it will act only as extra motivation and will make this tie more attractive. We will try to give our best in these matches against a top English team and be at their level.

Roman Sharonov, Rubin captain
Our next opponents are very tough in every sense. They are one of the best teams in the world. But every player dreams of playing in such matches. We have already played Barcelona and Internazionale Milano – now another top-level team awaits us. I hope this time we can play our home game in Kazan [not Moscow like the two previous home fixtures], with our fans behind us.

Previous meetings
The clubs are meeting for the first time in UEFA competition. Chelsea have won all four of their preceding games against Russian teams (two home, two away), conceding just once in the process.

Rubin will be visiting London for a second time, having lost 1-0 at Tottenham Hotspur FC in the 2011/12 group stage. They won the return fixture by the same scoreline. Those are their only past encounters with English opposition.

Quarter-final pedigree
This is the last major UEFA trophy that Chelsea have not won – and it is their maiden appearance in the quarter-finals. Rubin, meanwhile, are competing in the last eight of a top UEFA competition for the first time.