The Welsh were under the cosh for most the game and it was down Barnard's wing that the main threat came. Winger Alexander Mostovoi was identified as the dangerman before the game, Barnard dealt with the Russian well though and even managed to bomb forward to support Ryan Giggs on occasions.
Barnard was involved in a half time confonrtation with goalkeeper Sergei Ovchinnikov which saw the Russian get booked. Ovchinnikov will now miss the second leg in Cardiff.
Wales will now look to progress to a major finals for the first time since 1958 on Wednesday when they host the Russians at the Millenium Stadium.
The game will be live on BBC One with coverage starting at 19:20.