KAZAN, October 23 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday congratulated Rubin Kazan on their Champions League victory over Barcelona.

Rubin, from the capital of the Russian republic of Tatarstan, beat European champions Barcelona 2-1 at the Nou Camp on Tuesday to go joint top on points of Champions League Group 4.

Medvedev, in Kazan for an all-Russia forum entitled "Russia - A Sporting Power!", met the Rubin players at a master class they were giving at a local school.

"Unfortunately, I didn't have time to watch the match as I was flying back from a trip. I got back at about one at night and I was told all about it," the Russian leader said. "It was great - these kind of victories are very important for football."

Rubin face Barcelona in Kazan on November 4 as they attempt to seal a place in the knockout stages of European football's most prestigious club tournament.

"The whole country will support you!" Medvedev promised.

As well as encouraging Rubin to pull off another European shock, Medvedev also highlighted the health problems of many Russian children at the Kazan forum.
“According to my information, a mere 10% of school-leavers can be said to be truly healthy,” he said.