Zenit St Petersburg 2 - 0 Rangers

Preview Report Match Live Commentary GameCast

95'

Thanks for your company one and all. See you back here next Wednesday for the all-English UEFA Champions League final, with me Chris Murphy. bye for now.

95'

It's been a wonderful journey for Rangers but ultimately, they were outclassed by a better team as they so nearly were in the quarter finals and semi finals. They have a bottomless pit of determination and bravery but that is not quite enough at this level. Zenit were brighter, snappier in possession and always livelier at the business end. Worthy winners.

95'

A few Russian morons invade the pitch as the magnificent Rangers fans belt out a chorus of 'We love you Rangers...'

94'

The final whistle goes, and Zenit St Petersburg are the UEFA Cup winners of 2008!

94'

Zurianov taps in from close range after Fatih Tekke got round the back - courtesy of another astute Arshavin ball - and squared across goal. Rangers brave journey comes to an end, but all credit to Zenit - deserved winners!

94'

GOAL! Zenit score and win the UEFA Cup!

93'

Faitzulin is off and the Korean Kim Dong Jin comes on.

93'

Zenit win a free kick and prepare to run the clock down by making a change.

92'

Then Novo has a chance as the ball breaks from a throw in. It was a hard one to hit - the ball was rising - but Novo could, and perhaps, should have done better!

91'

Rangers hump it into the box - three mins of injury time - and have two half chances in succession. Boyd miscontrols when he could have shot, then a flick on nears Novo before Anuikov hacks clear.

90'

We're into the last minute of normal time...

89'

Ferguson hauls down Denisov as he controlled a dropping ball nicely. A slice of frustration from the Gers skipper.

88'

There are gaps everywhere at the back for Rangers now. Anuikov overlapped there, Arshavin found him and Broadfotot did well to engineer a block. Corner.

87'

Hemdani went off for McCulloch earlier by the way. He had a disappointing game.

86'

Whittaker is off, Kris Boyd is on. Truly long ball-tastic then eh?

85'

Broadfoot does well to slide in and win a goal kick off Anuikov, who was spewing forth.

84'

It's no nonsense from both sides now. Rangers are pumping it long into the box; Zenit are hoofing the ball to safety whenever they can.

83'

A beautiful piece of trickery from Arshavin to switch back onto his right foot. His shot is high and wide though.

82'

So Rangers, eight minutes left. They are going route one looking for McCulloch. In that last phase he wins a flick but Novo's connection isn't true and the ball loops up and wide of the net.

81'

Hull City are heading for the Championship play-off final by the way, they lead Watford 2-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.

80'

Lee McCulloch is on for the Gers.

79'

Faitzulin hits one over the bar after Arshavin squares from the right-hand side.

78'

The Rangers contingent need to strike up the verse again. Their team needs a lift, desperately.

77'

Nacho Novo is on for Sasa Papac, as Rangers go two up top.

76'

Zurianov has nearly won it for Zenit! Rangers got in a tangle at the back, Fatih crossed, Denisov's shot was blocked, then Zurianov flicks the post with his follow up. What a chance!

75'

All the noise is emanating from the white end of the stadium as you'd expect. Walter Smith scribbles furiously on his notepad when he needs to be doing something productive now!

74'

Rangers have to open up and get at them, they only have 16 minutes left to save their European dream.

73'

The final has a goal, and it has come from a homegrown, St Petersburg lad! No-one, not even the most ardent Rangers fan, can say they don't deserve it.

72'

Igor Denisov bursts through the middle, after a superb ball from Arshavin and finishes cooly past Alexander from 12 yards out. A cracking goal!

72'

GOAL! Zenit carve Rangers up and they lead!

70'

Arshavin spoils a good run with an overhit cross but Zenit retain possession. They are getting closer and closer...

69'

Shirl's cross gets a flick off Davis and nearly drops kindly for Fatih, but Weir is there to head clear.

68'

Zenit are down to ten temporarily.

67'

Aniukov is down after a nasty twist of the ankle. He was superb against Bayern in the semi-final and would be a big loss if he had to depart.

66'

The Zenit fans link arms and starting shouting summat in Russian while pogo-ing furiously. Not to be outdone, 25,000 Rangers fans hit back with a pogo of their own. Great stuff.

65'

A poor choice of pass from Zurianov - he was in space and tried an ambitious ball for Arshavin.

64'

Arshavin tried to be a little cute with that chance there. With the keeper stranded he maybe should have belted it. The lob could have worked but the margin for error was tiny.

63'

Zenit hoof it down field from the corner, Alexander rushes out prematurely and Arshavin pokes it past him. He tries to outwit two Rangers players who had tracked back, with a lob, but Papac nods off the line! Great defensive work.

62'

Whittaker cuts inside after a Davis cross is cleared and his shot is deflected narrowly wide! Corner.

61'

Two corners and a cross are dealt with firmly by Rangers but it's another decent spell for Zenit. Apart from that early chance for Arshavin though, they haven't created anything clear cut.

60'

Arshavin wins a corner after a cute little Cryuff turn.

59'

At t'other end Arshavin works space on the left flank and delivers a delicious cross but none of his team-mates had gambled on it and Papac brings the ball clear.

58'

Ferguson threads a nice ball into the channel for Darchville but Aniukov is across quick smart with an excellent challenge.

57'

Darchville is penalised after a rough aerial challenge on Shirokov.

56'

Neat interplay from Zurianov and Faitzulin but Cuellar is there to clear the latter's cross. Yet again.

55'

Whisper it quietly but the game is in danger of bursting to life!

54'

It was no more a handball than Whittaker's in the first half te be honest.

53'

That has raised the noise levels among the Rangers fans! It was definitely a handball in the area a moment ago, but was it intentional? Probably not. Carry on...

52'

What a scramble in the Zenit box! Davis works a chance for Darchville, whose shot is well saved by Malafeev, he spills it, Ferguson hits it, the ball strikes Tymoschuk's hand, then Ferguson hits the post, and Zenit finally clear!

51'

Fatih is flagged offisde. He's been poor, but then he hasn't started a game since near the turn of the year. What a shame Pogrenbyak isn't playing. We may not be at 0-0 if he was.

50'

Rangers flirt with the Zenit box, and for a brief moment Darchville actually has possession of the ball in it, but that is quickly lost.

49'

A bright start from Zenit, who have clearly been told to be more fluid in the final third. They just need that killer final ball, or precise strike from range.

48'

Studwatch: Jean Claude Darchville has lost a stud. If anyone finds it can they post it to Ibrox, Rangers Street, Glasgow, GOA L1 please?

47'

I have now been watching 255 minutes of Rangers in Europe, and am yet to see a goal scored in open play. What's the number for the Samaritans again?

46'

We're off again...

45'

Alexander claims, to huge roars from the Rangers end, and that is half time. See you in 15 minutes....

45'

A flurry from Zenit; Fatih twists and turns, Arshavin gets into the box and wins a corner.

44'

The ball actually ricocheted out of the wall and in the vicinity of Hemdani but he was too slow to react. Then as Davis pumped it back in, Malafeev got a punch on it before Papac tried a ludicrously ambitious lob from 50 yards.

43'

Thomson hits it into the wall - he didn't get the elevation at all.

42'

It is right-side, about 23 yards out. Plenty of contenders to take it, including Ferguson - of course.

41'

A chance for Rangers to load the box perhaps?

40'

Rangers win a free kick, Darchville is chopped down by Denisov.

39'

Fatih Tekke has wasted a chance on the edge of the box. His control was good but he delayed his shot far too long and was crowded out.

38'

Denisov threads a nice ball up towards Fatih but his dummy was unwise, because there was absolutely no-one ahead of him. Well, apart from Sasa Papac, who watched it all the way into Alexander's mitts.

37'

Rangers have weathered the storm a little now. There is bound to be another one sooner or later - presently in fact - but for now they look a tad more comfortable.

36'

Decent work from Steven Davis, whose touch takes him away from Denisov. His cross finds Broadfoot but his looping header is well over the bar.

35'

Dick Advocaat is looking a little hot and sweaty. Nowt to do with the game you understand. It's just hot, and he's a little bit porky.

34'

A ridculous free kick sees Arshavin square it to Tymoschuk, who I'm assuming wanted it on the volley, but the ball was terrible and Rangers clear. What a waste.

33'

Zurianov wins a free kick wide on the right after a little tug from Thomson. Danger.

32'

The gamecast 'shot-chart' tells its own story I feel!

31'

Darchville gets a hearty round of applause by tracking back deep into his half to block a Krizanac cross.

30'

Cuellar rises high to deal with another Arshavin cross. He's going to be crucial if Rangers are to achieve another shut out this evening.

29'

Papac spoils a lovely turn by hitting his cross into the crowd while under no pressure whatsoever. Poor.

28'

Then at the other end Anuikov works a shooting chance which stings Alexander's hands.

27'

Broadfoot launches a ball over the top that has Malafeev rushing out - a bit too enthusiastically in fact - and his header finds the feet of Ferguson but he can't get a shot off.

26'

Zenit break into the final third but no less than EIGHT Rangers players face back at them.

25'

Cuellar has a charge down the right but looks like he has picked up a little knock in a 50/50 with Krizanac. I'll keep you posted. Of course. That's why I'm here after all.

24'

It's all gone a bit dull and attritional after a bright opening. That's how Rangers like it after all...

23'

Thomson goes down under a challenge from Anuivkov, somewhat dramatically, but at least it relieves the constant pressure for a few seconds.

22'

Smashing tracking back from Thomson; he slides in to tackle Zurianov who was bursting down the right.

21'

Papac gets a nod on the corner, but Zenit gather up the ball again and another wave of attack will begin. Rangers can't get out of their half at present. They're pretty used to that feeling in this competition mind.

20'

Broadfoot does well to get his head on a vicious Arshavin cross. Corner for Zenit.

19'

An prolonged session of head tennis ends with Rangers stringing three passes together - a rare occurence in the last five minutes.

18'

Stat attack, possession: Zenit 63% - Rangers 37%.

17'

Another decent block from Hemdani as Shirl lines a drive up.

16'

Its all very tight in midfield, as expected. Respective skippers Ferguson and Tymoschuk - both holding players - will be seeing plenty of each other this evening it seems.

15'

A lovely move from Zenit ends with Faitzulin nodding over after a superbly floated Zurianov cross.

14'

Arshavin cuts in from the left and tries to fire one in. Broadfoot blocks well.

13'

Should anyone remotely care, Watford are leading Hull in the English Championship play-off. It is still 2-1 to Hull on aggregate though.

12'

The game has settled down a litte after a frenetic start and the formula is set; Zenit pressing, Rangers sitting.

11'

Radek Shirl has a go and Alexander catches well as the ball bounces at pace right in front of him.

10'

Shirokov wins a free kick after a nasty tackle from Kevin Thomson. It's about 40 yards out, slightly right of centre.

The stadium is literally bouncing as the Rangers fans launch a full on pogo session.

A nice spell of possession for Rangers shows they are undaunted by the occasion, but Whittaker's ball over the top looking for Darchville is a smidge overhit and keeper Malafeev is out to claim.

Shirokov has a go this time, perhaps with instructions to test the far from experienced Alexander.

First chance for Rangers! A cracking one-two between Ferguson and Thomson creates space for Darchville to leap into and his ball along the face of the six yard box is superbly cleared by Aniukov. Game on!

More neat attacking play from Zenit as Cuellar gets a foot in to dispossess Fatih, then Zurianov has a pop from 30 yards but Alexander gobbles it up gleefully.

First chance for the Russians. Hemdani loses the ball and Rangers are stretched, Faitzulin feeds Arshavin who fires into the side netting from a tight angle. Good opportunity.

Rangers squeeze up and Fatih is flagged offside after a ball over the top from Denisov.

True to form, Jean Claude Darchville sits up top on his own and Zenit have plenty of time to build the play from the back...

Ladies and gentlemen, the UEFA Cup final has begun....

As for the game itself, I doubt Rangers will open up all of a sudden and become a fluid, adventurous, attacking unit. They will sit deep and soak up pressure, looking to profit on the break and from set pieces. As for Zenit, they prefer a rapid counter-attacking style but may well have to force the forward pace in response to Rangers style. An early goal would set the game up perfectly. Here come to the teams to deafening noise...

The atmosphere in Manchester is truly phenomenal. Conservative estimates reckon there are 100,000 Rangers fans in the city. There are several big screens dotted throughout the city in various parks and squares and they are awash with blue shirts. Inside the stadium too, the noise is incredible. Anyone who dismisses the UEFA Cup as a meaningless or secondary competition does these fans a huge injustice. This is a gargantuan game, a massive final, and a mammoth occasion for both clubs.

Rangers in contrast, have nervously edged their way to the final, beating far more talented sides by a mixture of defensive grit, poached goals and penalty shoot outs. They were battered by Fiorentina over two legs in the semi, but the Italians couldn't get past a doggedly determined back-line. That is not to belittle Rangers' acheivement in getting to the final though, far from it. With the resources they have at their disposal they have done marvellously.

Zenit have sizzled and swashbuckled to the final, playing an up-front, attacking game, culminating in that hugely impressive thumping of Bayern Munich. Let's face it, anyone who spanks a top German side duly warrants a few drinks on the house and a full salute.

Zenit's negotiation of the suspension tightrope brings them good and bad news. The good: talisman Andrei Arshavin is back after suspension. The bad: top scorer Pavel Pogrebnyak picked up a soft booking in the semi and misses out.

And Euro final debutant's Zenit St Petersburg: Malafeev, Krizanac, Tekke, Arshavin, Sirl, Shirokov, Zyryanov, Faitzulin, Aniukov, Denisov and Tymoschuk. Subs from: Contofalsky, Radimov, Kim, Dominguez, Ricksen, Ionov and Gorshkov.

Rangers subs from: Graeme Smith, Boyd, Novo, Adam, Dailly, McCulloch and Faye.

The Rangers team is in and the big news is the absence of Nacho Novo - a headline writer's dream. Rangers: Alexander, Broadfoot, Weir, Cuellar, Papac, Thomson, Hemdani, Davis, Whittaker, Ferguson and Darcheville.

Good evening footy-loving fans, and welcome to the first, glittering European final of the season! Who'd have thunk the little known Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg would be battling the mighty Rangers for the big vase that is the UEFA Cup? Both sides have disposed of some fearsome opposition to make it this far, Zenit ousting Marseilles and Villarreal before CRUSHING Bayern Munich in the semis. Rangers disposing of Sporting Lisbon, Fiorentina and, err, Panathinaikos.

Join us for the UEFA Cup final to see if Russia's Zenit St Petersburg can win their first European honour, or if Scottish giants Rangers can land their first European silverware since lifting the Cup Winners' Cup in 1972. Kick-off at the City of Manchester Stadium is 19.45 UK time, see you then!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Zenit St Petersburg	2
Rangers	0	FT