Rangers outplayed as Zenit take their first European trophy.

The Rangers fans descended on Manchester for the 50th UEFA Cup final at the City of Manchester Stadium in England, but the Russian team took the glory as they earned their first European trophy.

Zenit St. Petersburg left it late, but goals from Igor Denisov in the 72nd minute and from Konstantin Zyrianov in injury time were a genuine reflection on the game. Coached by Dick Advocaat, Zenit were happy going forward but also patient in their build up play and they had the talented Andrei Arshavin who added finesse to the Russian side.

Rangers fans can get a quick pick me up in their time of sorrow. They are still on track to win the Scottish Premier League at the expense of Glasgow rival Celtic, and also to take the Scottish Cup. But there is no hiding the fact that the trophy they wanted has escaped Rangers Coach Walter Smith.

Walter Smith:

You don’t get the opportunity very often to get to European finals and when you do, it’s very disappointing to lose.

Zenit looked the more offensive team, but we’ve had a terrific tournament. In the end, I can have no complaints.