Rubin's pedigree as dark horses

FC Rubin Kazan are one of eight clubs making their UEFA Champions League group-stage debuts this season, and as part of a series of features on the competition's new boys, uefa.com runs the rule over Kurban Berdyev's Russian titleholders.

Who are they?
Formed: 1958
Nickname: Tatarstantsi (The Tatarstan Side)
League titles: 1

Rubin came from nowhere to win their first Russian title in 2008, celebrating their 50th anniversary with a wholly unexpected triumph. The Tatarstan club had only won promotion to the top flight for the first time five years previously and must now quickly acclimatise to the rarified atmosphere of the UEFA Champions League. Veterans Savo Milošević, Serhiy Rebrov and Sergei Semak were influential in Rubin's title triumph, but coach Kurban Berdyev is known for his willingness to dip into the transfer market and of that trio only Semak remains. Berdyev, by contrast, is a constant and is now into his ninth season with Rubin. Turkmenistan's most famous footballing export led his side to the second division title in 2002, finished third in the top flight in 2003 then won the title last year. A Muslim, former Turkmenistan boss Berdyev celebrated by going on pilgrimage to Mecca. Rubin's rise shows no sign of slowing. In May they appeared in their first Russian Cup final, which they lost to PFC CSKA Moskva, and two-thirds of the way through the 2009 league season are again clear at the summit.

One to watch
Alejandro Domínguez, 28, forward/attacking midfielder
'El Chori' (The Joker) joined Rubin from CA River Plate in February 2004 and enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2006 when he scored 13 league goals. That December FC Zenit St. Petersburg snared the Argentinian for a reported €7m but he failed to establish himself in Dick Advocaat's side. Domínguez returned to Rubin in March 2009 determined to rediscover his best form and a return of 12 goals in 16 league games, including one run of six penalties in as many games, suggests he is better than ever.

Memorable match
FC Spartak Moskva 0-3 FC Rubin Kazan, Russian Premier League, 30 August 2009
Last term Rubin claimed a convincing league double over titleholders Zenit, but it is this season's victory away to nearest rivals Spartak that stands out. Semak, Domínguez and striker Aleksandr Bukharov scored a goal apiece as Rubin coasted to an ominous win and extended their lead at the summit to four points.

Greatest player
Sergei Semak
An iconic figure for CSKA Moskva at the turn of the century, Semak has enjoyed an Indian summer since arriving at Rubin at the start of last season. An integral part of Rubin's title triumph, the 33-year-old returned to the international reckoning after a lengthy absence and captained Russia to the UEFA EURO 2008™ semi-finals. Semak remains a talismanic figure in midfield for both Rubin and Russia.

Did you know?
Despite clinching the 2008 title with three games to spare, Rubin had to wait three weeks before being awarded the trophy. To mark their title success immediately, each player was presented with a traditional Tatar skullcap embroidered with the club's emblem and the words "Rubin are champions".