Uefa Cup Final

[Jordie]

Your predictions?

zenit 2-1 for me
just think rangers luck has to run out soon.

watch out for a player called arshavin wouldnt surprise me if he isnt playing his football over here next season

[Minstrels]

2:1 Rangers!
It's going to be a mega night!

[Rarelime]

watch out for a player called arshavin wouldnt surprise me if he isnt playing his football over here next season

It would not suprise me if English teams started to buy Russian players, as they are very good. Plus the transfer fees would not be massive.

Anyway, 1-1 then go to penalties.

[luce]

i hope rangers win :)
i dont suport them, i just like them becuase there british

i hope they do all four or w.e :)

[Immenseman]

Go crazy, 2-0 Rangers. They've got this far against the odds, lets hope they go all the way. It'd be great having two british teams winning both of the european cups.

[Minstrels]

i hope rangers win :)
i dont suport them, i just like them becuase there british

i hope they do all four or w.e :)
Your supposed to like Celtic and hate Rangers... :rolleyes:

[edible]

Your predictions?

zenit 2-1 for me
just think rangers luck has to run out soon.

watch out for a player called arshavin wouldnt surprise me if he isnt playing his football over here next season
we're interested in him, i think. have been since january methinks.

i think it'll be close tbh, 2-2 and zenit to win on penalties.

[Geraint]

Please Zenit, please.

I just hate Rangers.

[Loqo]

Rangers will get it. I just been on a school trip to Manchester to see the Bodyworlds 4 and seen a load of Rangers fans.

[Minstrels]

Rangers will get it. I just been on a school trip to Manchester to see the Bodyworlds 4 and seen a load of Rangers fans.
Tell me about it...

[Geraint]

100,000 apparently.

[Nain]

I live in manchester.. seen millions of Rangers fans, some commentry from Sky Sports (for those that missed out):

Starting Teams:
Rangers team: Alexander, Weir, Papac, Ferguson, Hemdani, Thomson, Darcheville, Broadfoot, Cuellar, Whittaker, Davis. Subs: Graeme Smith, Boyd, Novo, Adam, Dailly, McCulloch, Faye.


Zenit team: Malafeev, Krizanac, Tekke, Arshavin, Sirl, Shirokov, Zyryanov, Faitzulin, Aniukov, Denisov, Tymoschuk. Subs: Contofalsky, Radimov, Kim, Dominguez, Ricksen, Ionov, Gorshkov.


44 - Wild: Papac takes a wild swing from 30-yards and lifts his effort high into the stands. Perhaps sticking to what you do best Sasa would be a better option.


43 - Waste: Thomson is prevented with a 25-yard free-kick but msihits his effort straight into the wall. Rangers won't get too mnay chances and need to make the most of the ones they create.


42 - No room: Cuellar puts in an important block to prevent Tekke gettign away a strike on the edge of the area. The Zenit striker coudl have got a shot away first time and is left kicking himself after passing up the opportunity.


41 - Well wide: Zurianov with yet another 25-yard effort which fails to trouble Alexander. Zenit look dangerous until they reach the box, and then their finishing has been woeful. Rangers won't mind though.


40 - Dangerous: Alexander and Cuellar get themselves in trouble by playing among themselves and are fortunate that Zenit are unable to steal in.


37 - Stretching: Davis whips over a fine cross from the right which finds Whittaker in space at the back post. The winger rises well to meet the ball but it is slightly too high for him to make a sound contact and his effort loops onto the roof of the net.


Heroes: Mark, a Dons supporter, sees Rangers battlign their way to a 2-1 success. He also sees Nacho Novo stepping off the bench to write his name in Gers folklore.


35 - Graft: Whittaker this time proves that he is pumped up for battle as he nags away at Anyukov before putting the full-back on his backside and running away with the ball.


33 - Difficult: Ferguson manages to get up in support of Darcheville, but his pass towards the striker is wayward to say the least and drifts harmlessly through to Malafeev.


Fingers crossed: Paul in Turkey is a nervous wreck as he holds out for a 2-1 win to Rangers. So far, so good for the Gers and they just need to push forward more.


31 - Desperate: Cuellar gets a last-ditch head to the ball to prevent Tekke stealing in at the back post. The Russian's look lively up front and need to maintain their concentration at all times.


29 - Spilled: Zurianov blasts a 20-yard effort goalwards, but despite failing to get hold of the ball first time Alexander is able to clear his lines. The Gers have found themselves under intense pressure in the last few minutes and need to start playing in the opposition half.


28 - Nervous: Faitzulin's looping cross from the left gives Alexander a scare for a moment, but the keeper backtracks enough to prevent the ball sailing over his head.


27 - No way through: Rangers continue to keep things tight at the back and are happy to let Zenit have possession around the half-way line. Denisov evetually makes a positive break but is denied by Hemdani.


Keeping up to date: Angus is keeping tabs on proceedings from Afghanistan and sees Kevin Thomson becoming a hero in a 1-0 win. It's great to see the belief which is getting right behind the Gers tonight. Let's just hope they can make a lot of people proud.


24 - Great tackle: Thomson refuses to let Zurianov run away from him down Zenit's right and puts in a crunching challenge to send the midfielder sprawling. Exactly the kind of attitude Rangers need in abundance tonight.


23 - Corner: Zenit play the set-piece short, with Arshavin eventually lifting a delivery over the heads of the masses waiting in the box. Rangers can breathe easy once more.


22 - Very close: Arshavin teases Broadfoot down the left and launches a powerful cross/shot towards goal. Weir stands his ground and heads behind, but he knew little about his intervention.


21 - Solid: Rangers are struggling to break through a resolute Zenit defence, with Davis this time denied by a strong challenge from Krizanac. They need to stay positive though and the chances will come.


More drama: Matty is the second person to predict a 2-2 draw with Rangers to win on penalties. There would appear to be goals in the game so i wouldn't be surprised if we get a thriller.


18 - Easy take: Zurianov tries his luck from long-range but fails to catch the ball cleanly and sees his shot comfortably dealt with by Alexander diving down to his left.


16 - Eyes off the ball: Zenit threaten once more, but Faitzulin nods goalwards with the back of his head and unsurprisingly sees his effort drift well wide.


15 - Quicker: Rangers need to get their passing game going. Too many players are taking too many touches and need to get the ball fizzing around. It has been a positive start by Rangers and they appear to have settled into the contest, but need to be slightly more adventurous.


14 - Scrappy: There are too many misplaced passes at the moment, and Rangers have resorted to launching long balls towards Darcheville. That would not appear to be the best option as the Frenchman is pretty isolated up top.


12 - Ambitious: Shirl lets rip with a 30-yard free-kick which bounces dangerously in front of Alexander. The keeper keeps his eye on the ball though and ensures that he gets his body behind the effort.


10 - No support: Ashavin breaks down the left and whips over a cross, only to find that none of his team-mates have caught up with play and the Rangers box is deserted.


9 - Too long: Thomson lofts a clever ball over the top towards Darcheville, who has once again found space in the box, but his cross is overhit and sails over the striker's head.


Scottish support: Colin, a Celtic fan, and David, an Aberdeen supporter, are getting behind Rangers. Colin is another who feels that we may need extra-time to get a result tonight. We shall see.


7 - Great chance: Darcheville bustles his way behind the Zenit defence and squares towards Ferguson in the middle. The Rangers skipper does all he can to get a toe to the ball but is muscled out of it by Shirokov. Positive by Rangers though.


6 - Comfortable: Alexander gets an important early touch as Tymoschuk drills a low bobbling effort into his chest. The keeper will be glad to have an easy starter, as it looks liek he might be a busy boy!


5 - Side netting: Early scare for the Gers as Arshavin fires a low drive from the left narrolwy wide of the near post. The playmaker slipped into space far too easily and Rangers need to kepp an eye on the Russian dangerman.


4 - Support: Zenit's full-backs look keen to get forward and provide the width, but on this occasion Shirl is halted by Broadfoot.


2 - Early possession: Zenit enjoy the lion's share of possession in the opening exchanges, and threaten to cut through down the right flank with Tymoschuk. However, Papac has read the danger well and is perfectly positioned to cut out an attempted cross.


Kick-off: Rangers get us underway.

[Jordie]

the commentators just said that they think rangers goalkeeper is the best player on show for rangers atm.

explains a lot doesnt it?

[mangle]

Snoozefest ahaha

[Nain]

lol, Keeper may be the best player, but not for me :)

[mangle]

He's playing well, Rangers need to get out of their half. They're boxed in.

[PaulMacC]

Rangers 0-1 Petersberg

[Nain]

Commentry up to the goal -
73 - GOAL: Zenit 1 Rangers 0. Rangers have it all to do now. Denisov picks the ball up in midfield, exchanges passes with Arshavin, and then calmly slots the ball past Alexander into the bottom corner. Walter Smith needs to do something, and quick.


72 - Outlet: Darcheville is feeding on scraps but continues to chase lost causes in order to prevent Zenit from launching wave after wave of attack.


Zenit support: Jake in Austrailia is backing Tymoschuk and the boys to take the trophy back to Russia. They appear to have run out of ideas at present and are becoming frustrated by a stubborn Gers outfit.


Bouncing: The atmosphere throughout the game has been incredible, with the Zenit fans making an honourable contribution to the occasion. However, the Rangers support has been magnificent and i think the roof will come off if their side get a goal.


67 - Poor touch: Arshavin is again allowed far too much room 30-yards from goal and steers a clver pas into Tekke. The striker's first touch gets away from him though and Alexander clears up.


64 - Rush of blood: Alexander comes rushing out of goal to confront Arshavin and gets nowhere near the playmaker as he drifts past him. Arshavin tries to steer the ball into the unguarded net, but sees his effort headed off the line by the retreating Papac. The closest we have come to a goal, and a rare moment of madness from the Rangers defence.


63 - Deflection: Hemdani bundles over a cross from the left which somehow finds its way through to Whittaker. The winger cuts inside, but sees his effort knocked behind for a corner.


62 - Unscathed: Zenit win a couple of quick corners, but are frustrated by Cuellar and Alexander. The Russians are dominating the corner count but lack the physical presence to trouble the Gers.


61 - Long chase: Broadfoot powers forward down the right, but is unable to keep control of the ball and is ushered off the ball by Krizanac as he closes in on goal.


58 - Back in it: Rangers have been lifted by their recent chances and are enjoying more of the ball. If they can peg Zenit back the Russians look shaky in defence.


Opinions: Martthew in Malta is another backing Novo to step off the bench and make an impact, while Alexander in New Jersey is the first St Petersburg native to get behind Zenit. It's too close to call at the moment ans could still go either way.


53 - Mayhem: Darcheville and Ferguson force Malafeev and Shirl into desperate blocks. Shirl was forced to clear off the line ast the Rangers skipper poked an effort goalwards. There was a handball shout in among all the action, but it would have been harsh on Zenit had it been given as Krizanac knew nothing about the richochet which struck him. It goes to show that the Gers are capable and should lift their spirits.


Win at all costs: Eliza feels that as long as Rangers get their hands on the trophy it doesn't matter how they get there. I couldn't agree more and just hope that they find a way through.


51 - Crowded out: Davis makes a positive break through the centre and feeds Darcheville. The striker is unable to create an opening though and is eventually seen out of play by Anyukov. Rangers will be keen to ease the pressure on their defence by keeping Zenit penned in.


49 - Committed: Ferguson is his usual feisty self and is biting into tackles in midfield. He goes slightly overboard though with his challenge on Denisov and is lucky to escape a caution.


47 - Same again: Zenit go on the attack from the off and ensure that the Gers pull everyone, bar Darcheville, behind the ball. Rangers certainly can defend, but it remains to be seen if they can open the Russians up at the other end.


Changes: How long will Smith give it before he shuffles his pack. Darcheville could do with some support, but will Rangers risk another front-man?


Second-half: Zenit get us up and running again

[Pyroka]

that was a nice goal too.

[Nain]

Commentary since what i did last

Sub: Yet another attacking switch as Boyd comes on for Whittaker.



84 - Quick feet: Arshavin makes room for himself on the edge of the box, but can't generate sufficient curl on his strike and sees it sail well wide.


83 - Close: Novo fails to control a hooked effort as the ball bounces in front of him and sees it drift past the far post. Rangers already look more threatening and shows that maybe Smith should have been more adventurous from the off.


82 - Physical: McCulloch is straight into the action but fails to bring down an ambitious cross-field pass from Davis. He had foudn space on the right wing and another chance goes begging for the Gers.


Sub: Hemdani makes way for McCulloch as Rangers go for broke.


80 - Blazed over: Faitzulin wastes another good opportunity for Zenit as he leans back and sends his effort high into the mass of Rangers fans behind the goal.


Sub: Novo comes on in place of Papac.


76 - Should have been two: Rangers looks all at sea at the back and are fortunate to stil lbe in the game. The Gers fail to clear their lines and can only watch as Zurianov pulls a close-range effort off the outside of the post. To be fair he did have bodies falling in front of him, but he really should have scored.


75 - Plans: Smith and McCoist are flicking through paperwork on the bench, have they got a Plan B?

[Camy]

Meh the keeper hasnt been thattt gd.
He nearly gave away a goal when he was a waaaaaaayyyyyyy out of the net :l

[Browney]

2-0

Congrats St Petersburg.

[Nain]

2 - 0 all over.

[Aflux]

So deserved.

[Minstrels]

Unlucky gers! The fans have been cracking and the team have done really well to make it to the final! About 3/4 of the stuff in the City store has sold out to the Rangers fans, they're cracking. It's going to be a decent atmosphere on the streets of Manchester tonight even if they have lost... it's all about drowning your sorrows and looking forward to winning the league now.

[Nain]

Just to let you guys know.
Here is the full version of the match that was played.


Full-time: Zenit 2 Rangers 0. The Gers fall at the final hurdle but can walk away with their heads held high.



90 + 4 - GOAL: Zenit 2 Rangers 0. All over. Tekke beats the Gers offside trap and squares for Denisov to tap into an empty net.


Sub: Kim comes on in place of Faitzulin.


Booked: Malafeev is cautioned for time-wasting.


90 +1 - Last chance: Novo has a great opportunity to salvage the game but fires wildly over the top when presented with a sight of goal 10-yards from goal. That might just be that.


89 - Miles over: Arshavin launches a ridiculous 35-yard free-kick high into the stands. Teh Russians know they are close and don't care where the ball goes now.


88 - Spaces: Hardly surprising that Rangers are leaving gaps at the back, but they need to gamble big time. Zurianov almost gets in behind the Gers' fragile backline, but is stopped in his tracks by Weir.


Sub: Yet another attacking switch as Boyd comes on for Whittaker.


84 - Quick feet: Arshavin makes room for himself on the edge of the box, but can't generate sufficient curl on his strike and sees it sail well wide.


83 - Close: Novo fails to control a hooked effort as the ball bounces in front of him and sees it drift past the far post. Rangers already look more threatening and shows that maybe Smith should have been more adventurous from the off.


82 - Physical: McCulloch is straight into the action but fails to bring down an ambitious cross-field pass from Davis. He had foudn space on the right wing and another chance goes begging for the Gers.


Sub: Hemdani makes way for McCulloch as Rangers go for broke.


80 - Blazed over: Faitzulin wastes another good opportunity for Zenit as he leans back and sends his effort high into the mass of Rangers fans behind the goal.


Sub: Novo comes on in place of Papac.


76 - Should have been two: Rangers looks all at sea at the back and are fortunate to stil lbe in the game. The Gers fail to clear their lines and can only watch as Zurianov pulls a close-range effort off the outside of the post. To be fair he did have bodies falling in front of him, but he really should have scored.


75 - Plans: Smith and McCoist are flicking through paperwork on the bench, have they got a Plan B?


73 - GOAL: Zenit 1 Rangers 0. Rangers have it all to do now. Denisov picks the ball up in midfield, exchanges passes with Arshavin, and then calmly slots the ball past Alexander into the bottom corner. Walter Smith needs to do something, and quick.


72 - Outlet: Darcheville is feeding on scraps but continues to chase lost causes in order to prevent Zenit from launching wave after wave of attack.


Zenit support: Jake in Austrailia is backing Tymoschuk and the boys to take the trophy back to Russia. They appear to have run out of ideas at present and are becoming frustrated by a stubborn Gers outfit.


Bouncing: The atmosphere throughout the game has been incredible, with the Zenit fans making an honourable contribution to the occasion. However, the Rangers support has been magnificent and i think the roof will come off if their side get a goal.


67 - Poor touch: Arshavin is again allowed far too much room 30-yards from goal and steers a clver pas into Tekke. The striker's first touch gets away from him though and Alexander clears up.


64 - Rush of blood: Alexander comes rushing out of goal to confront Arshavin and gets nowhere near the playmaker as he drifts past him. Arshavin tries to steer the ball into the unguarded net, but sees his effort headed off the line by the retreating Papac. The closest we have come to a goal, and a rare moment of madness from the Rangers defence.


63 - Deflection: Hemdani bundles over a cross from the left which somehow finds its way through to Whittaker. The winger cuts inside, but sees his effort knocked behind for a corner.


62 - Unscathed: Zenit win a couple of quick corners, but are frustrated by Cuellar and Alexander. The Russians are dominating the corner count but lack the physical presence to trouble the Gers.


61 - Long chase: Broadfoot powers forward down the right, but is unable to keep control of the ball and is ushered off the ball by Krizanac as he closes in on goal.


58 - Back in it: Rangers have been lifted by their recent chances and are enjoying more of the ball. If they can peg Zenit back the Russians look shaky in defence.


Opinions: Martthew in Malta is another backing Novo to step off the bench and make an impact, while Alexander in New Jersey is the first St Petersburg native to get behind Zenit. It's too close to call at the moment ans could still go either way.


53 - Mayhem: Darcheville and Ferguson force Malafeev and Shirl into desperate blocks. Shirl was forced to clear off the line ast the Rangers skipper poked an effort goalwards. There was a handball shout in among all the action, but it would have been harsh on Zenit had it been given as Krizanac knew nothing about the richochet which struck him. It goes to show that the Gers are capable and should lift their spirits.


Win at all costs: Eliza feels that as long as Rangers get their hands on the trophy it doesn't matter how they get there. I couldn't agree more and just hope that they find a way through.


51 - Crowded out: Davis makes a positive break through the centre and feeds Darcheville. The striker is unable to create an opening though and is eventually seen out of play by Anyukov. Rangers will be keen to ease the pressure on their defence by keeping Zenit penned in.


49 - Committed: Ferguson is his usual feisty self and is biting into tackles in midfield. He goes slightly overboard though with his challenge on Denisov and is lucky to escape a caution.


47 - Same again: Zenit go on the attack from the off and ensure that the Gers pull everyone, bar Darcheville, behind the ball. Rangers certainly can defend, but it remains to be seen if they can open the Russians up at the other end.


Changes: How long will Smith give it before he shuffles his pack. Darcheville could do with some support, but will Rangers risk another front-man?


Second-half: Zenit get us up and running again.


Watching world: Eliza in Oman is hoping that Rangers make Scotland proud,while Kenny in Florida sees the Gers sneaking home. Jack and Dave see us going to penalties, with the latter predicting that Walter Smith's men will go on to complete the quadruple.


Half-time: Zenit 0 Rangers 0. Zenit have dominated without really threatening, while Rangers will be hanging on to the hope that they will create at least one golden opportunity during the game, and will take it.


Working: Tjhanks to James in Iowa for gettign in touch and keeping iup to date from the office. Paula, Angus and Stewart have also thrown their weight behind the Gers cause.


44 - Wild: Papac takes a wild swing from 30-yards and lifts his effort high into the stands. Perhaps sticking to what you do best Sasa would be a better option.


43 - Waste: Thomson is prevented with a 25-yard free-kick but msihits his effort straight into the wall. Rangers won't get too mnay chances and need to make the most of the ones they create.


42 - No room: Cuellar puts in an important block to prevent Tekke gettign away a strike on the edge of the area. The Zenit striker coudl have got a shot away first time and is left kicking himself after passing up the opportunity.


41 - Well wide: Zurianov with yet another 25-yard effort which fails to trouble Alexander. Zenit look dangerous until they reach the box, and then their finishing has been woeful. Rangers won't mind though.


40 - Dangerous: Alexander and Cuellar get themselves in trouble by playing among themselves and are fortunate that Zenit are unable to steal in.


37 - Stretching: Davis whips over a fine cross from the right which finds Whittaker in space at the back post. The winger rises well to meet the ball but it is slightly too high for him to make a sound contact and his effort loops onto the roof of the net.


Heroes: Mark, a Dons supporter, sees Rangers battlign their way to a 2-1 success. He also sees Nacho Novo stepping off the bench to write his name in Gers folklore.


35 - Graft: Whittaker this time proves that he is pumped up for battle as he nags away at Anyukov before putting the full-back on his backside and running away with the ball.


33 - Difficult: Ferguson manages to get up in support of Darcheville, but his pass towards the striker is wayward to say the least and drifts harmlessly through to Malafeev.


Fingers crossed: Paul in Turkey is a nervous wreck as he holds out for a 2-1 win to Rangers. So far, so good for the Gers and they just need to push forward more.


31 - Desperate: Cuellar gets a last-ditch head to the ball to prevent Tekke stealing in at the back post. The Russian's look lively up front and need to maintain their concentration at all times.


29 - Spilled: Zurianov blasts a 20-yard effort goalwards, but despite failing to get hold of the ball first time Alexander is able to clear his lines. The Gers have found themselves under intense pressure in the last few minutes and need to start playing in the opposition half.


28 - Nervous: Faitzulin's looping cross from the left gives Alexander a scare for a moment, but the keeper backtracks enough to prevent the ball sailing over his head.


27 - No way through: Rangers continue to keep things tight at the back and are happy to let Zenit have possession around the half-way line. Denisov evetually makes a positive break but is denied by Hemdani.


Keeping up to date: Angus is keeping tabs on proceedings from Afghanistan and sees Kevin Thomson becoming a hero in a 1-0 win. It's great to see the belief which is getting right behind the Gers tonight. Let's just hope they can make a lot of people proud.


24 - Great tackle: Thomson refuses to let Zurianov run away from him down Zenit's right and puts in a crunching challenge to send the midfielder sprawling. Exactly the kind of attitude Rangers need in abundance tonight.


23 - Corner: Zenit play the set-piece short, with Arshavin eventually lifting a delivery over the heads of the masses waiting in the box. Rangers can breathe easy once more.


22 - Very close: Arshavin teases Broadfoot down the left and launches a powerful cross/shot towards goal. Weir stands his ground and heads behind, but he knew little about his intervention.


21 - Solid: Rangers are struggling to break through a resolute Zenit defence, with Davis this time denied by a strong challenge from Krizanac. They need to stay positive though and the chances will come.


More drama: Matty is the second person to predict a 2-2 draw with Rangers to win on penalties. There would appear to be goals in the game so i wouldn't be surprised if we get a thriller.


18 - Easy take: Zurianov tries his luck from long-range but fails to catch the ball cleanly and sees his shot comfortably dealt with by Alexander diving down to his left.


16 - Eyes off the ball: Zenit threaten once more, but Faitzulin nods goalwards with the back of his head and unsurprisingly sees his effort drift well wide.


15 - Quicker: Rangers need to get their passing game going. Too many players are taking too many touches and need to get the ball fizzing around. It has been a positive start by Rangers and they appear to have settled into the contest, but need to be slightly more adventurous.


14 - Scrappy: There are too many misplaced passes at the moment, and Rangers have resorted to launching long balls towards Darcheville. That would not appear to be the best option as the Frenchman is pretty isolated up top.


12 - Ambitious: Shirl lets rip with a 30-yard free-kick which bounces dangerously in front of Alexander. The keeper keeps his eye on the ball though and ensures that he gets his body behind the effort.


10 - No support: Ashavin breaks down the left and whips over a cross, only to find that none of his team-mates have caught up with play and the Rangers box is deserted.


9 - Too long: Thomson lofts a clever ball over the top towards Darcheville, who has once again found space in the box, but his cross is overhit and sails over the striker's head.


Scottish support: Colin, a Celtic fan, and David, an Aberdeen supporter, are getting behind Rangers. Colin is another who feels that we may need extra-time to get a result tonight. We shall see.


7 - Great chance: Darcheville bustles his way behind the Zenit defence and squares towards Ferguson in the middle. The Rangers skipper does all he can to get a toe to the ball but is muscled out of it by Shirokov. Positive by Rangers though.


6 - Comfortable: Alexander gets an important early touch as Tymoschuk drills a low bobbling effort into his chest. The keeper will be glad to have an easy starter, as it looks liek he might be a busy boy!


5 - Side netting: Early scare for the Gers as Arshavin fires a low drive from the left narrolwy wide of the near post. The playmaker slipped into space far too easily and Rangers need to kepp an eye on the Russian dangerman.


4 - Support: Zenit's full-backs look keen to get forward and provide the width, but on this occasion Shirl is halted by Broadfoot.


2 - Early possession: Zenit enjoy the lion's share of possession in the opening exchanges, and threaten to cut through down the right flank with Tymoschuk. However, Papac has read the danger well and is perfectly positioned to cut out an attempted cross.


Kick-off: Rangers get us underway.


Electric: The atmosphere is unbelievable. It seems like the whole of Glasgow is in Manchester, and Eastlands is rocking!


First prediction: Adam is expecting a 2-2 draw tonight, if so we could be in for a long evening. Rangers have proved to be masters of finding a result when they need it most, can they do it again?


Team news: Rangers welcome Kevin Thomson back into the fray, while Jean-Claude Darcheville has been handed a lone role up front in the absence of the suspended Daniel Cousin. Zenit are forced to make do without the competition's top scorer, Pavel Pogrebnyak, and as a result will look to the playmaker Andrei Arshavin to provide their attacking threat.


Rangers team: Alexander, Weir, Papac, Ferguson, Hemdani, Thomson, Darcheville, Broadfoot, Cuellar, Whittaker, Davis. Subs: Graeme Smith, Boyd, Novo, Adam, Dailly, McCulloch, Faye.


Zenit team: Malafeev, Krizanac, Tekke, Arshavin, Sirl, Shirokov, Zyryanov, Faitzulin, Aniukov, Denisov, Tymoschuk. Subs: Contofalsky, Radimov, Kim, Dominguez, Ricksen, Ionov, Gorshkov.


Referee: Peter Frojdfeldt (Sweden)


Zenit breezed past German giants Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, a fine indication of how dangerous the Russians can be, but Rangers should have no fear after disposing of Panathinaikos, Werder Breman, Sporting Lisbon and Fiorentina on their way to the final.


It promises to be an intriguing night at Eastlands as the attacking power of Zenit comes face-to-face with the virtually impenetrable Gers defence. **** Advocaat will have his side fired up for a clash against his former employers, while Walter Smith continues to lead Rangers towards an improbable quadruple and a first European trophy in 26 years..

[Minstrels]

Thanks for spamming the whole page, we could have just watched it on TV or the internet. :rolleyes:

[Nain]

Lol. Your welcome :)

[Jordie]

worthy winners
tbh yeah it looked easy for zenits.
totally outclassed an average side.
and if someone doesnt take a chance on arshavin or some of their talent they must be a bit stupid. they have potential to be one of the best

[Immenseman]

Shame Rangers didn't go all the way, better team won on the night.

[Nain]

i officially make Arshvin the MoM

[Minstrels]

I can't wait to watch Arshavin at City next season!!! I wonder who the manager is... Frank is putting in bids for players who ever it is... he must have a list. 10 million for Ars-Havin, it's good just for the name! :eusa_clap:eusa_danc:eusa_clap

[Jordie]

arshavin
is good enough to play for the worlds top clubs
would love to see him playing here.

[Minstrels]

arshavin
is good enough to play for the worlds top clubs
would love to see him playing here.
Come to watch City, we've had a bid put in. :eusa_clap

[Jordie]

fair play if you get him
from what ive seen its well worth paying 10-20 million for him or even more

[Minstrels]

fair play if you get him
from what ive seen its well worth paying 10-20 million for him or even more
The source was TribalFootball so I wont be getting my hopes up... :P

[Nain]

... they said that they wanted arshavin for a GOOD team.
Sorry, not city worthy.
Probably some teams like, Manchester United, Chelsea, Barca etc.

[Minstrels]

... they said that they wanted arshavin for a GOOD team.
Sorry, not city worthy.
Probably some teams like, Manchester United, Chelsea, Barca etc.
Now, now we don't want to go winding up people on the forum now do we? ;)

[Jordie]

... they said that they wanted arshavin for a GOOD team.
Sorry, not city worthy.
Probably some teams like, Manchester United, Chelsea, Barca etc.

city are a good team.
with a good backing in the transfer market this summer and some idea of whos going to be their manager they could go a long way. enquiring or even signing arshavin would be a great start what have they got to lose?

[Nain]

but City arnt a major team. Like Barca (my fav team tbh), Utd, Chelsea...

City arnt that good

Arshavin deserves to play for a majour team. Like Barca, Utd and chelsea :)

[Minstrels]

but City arnt a major team. Like Barca (my fav team tbh), Utd, Chelsea...

City arnt that good

Arshavin deserves to play for a majour team. Like Barca, Utd and chelsea :)
City are a major team... a team who finishes in the top half of the Prem are considered major... :rolleyes:

[Jordie]

city are major
and to be made even more major they need to attempt to try and sign players of arshavins quality. i can see where you're coming from with them not being a united or a chelsea but they have potential being backed my millions of pounds

[Nain]

aah, you got me there.
City may have a chance of winning something next season :p (if they get arshavin)

[EverSteve]

City in my opinion run on and off....and a team who gets beaten 8-1 against a team like Boro. Speaks for itself.

I would rather see Fulham init :)

on the final, Rangers were not better, Zenit outplayed them, outthought them, and well done to them on winning the final...

[Minstrels]

City in my opinion run on and off....and a team who gets beaten 8-1 against a team like Boro. Speaks for itself.

I would rather see Fulham init :)

on the final, Rangers were not better, Zenit outplayed them, outthought them, and well done to them on winning the final...
You do know the final game was thrown? :eusa_whis

[Jordie]

City in my opinion run on and off....and a team who gets beaten 8-1 against a team like Boro. Speaks for itself.

I would rather see Fulham init :)

on the final, Rangers were not better, Zenit outplayed them, outthought them, and well done to them on winning the final...

yeah but it happens.
they lost richards for a small part of the season and they also lost dunne in that game. playing with 10 men with your 2 best cbs out is going to be difficult its more than likely a team will fall apart like that which is what happened

[Excellent1]

Well done zenit, totally out-played rangers in midfield.

[Bun]

if i were city i'd be looking for better defenders first? :S

[mangle]

City let 20 in all season. Thats not bad considering Villa let in 22.

[Bun]

City let 20 in all season. Thats not bad considering Villa let in 22.
I'm guessing you were looking at home results only? :P They let in 53 all season, same as Boro. And just ignore me, as a Boro fan i'm just trying to milk this 8-1 as much as I can :P:(.

[mangle]

Jesus, I had the wrong table!
And wasn't the final match like a protest from the players?

[Bun]

Jesus, I had the wrong table!
And wasn't the final match like a protest from the players?
No lols, it was just a poor perfomance :P. Some pissed off city fans made that rumour up :rolleyes:.

[BlueMoon]

Jesus, I had the wrong table!
And wasn't the final match like a protest from the players?
Correct, our captain started it.


No lols, it was just a poor perfomance :P. Some pissed off city fans made that rumour up :rolleyes:.
Lmao **** off ******. M'boro are ****! We lost 8:1 because our players chucked it. Remember the story about Dunne saying to Sven the players will sign a petition? Sven said no so the players chucked the match. Even Johnson said it was chucked which is why he's been on the piss in Arndale for the past week. Lmao at you thinking m'boro are good you ******* thick ****. **** off mate you arrogant ******* ***** boy.

[Geraint]

Yes! Rangers are out about 4 rounds later than they should have been. Zenit absoultely deserved to win that.

[Bun]

Correct, our captain started it.


Lmao **** off ******. M'boro are ****! We lost 8:1 because our players chucked it. Remember the story about Dunne saying to Sven the players will sign a petition? Sven said no so the players chucked the match. Even Johnson said it was chucked which is why he's been on the piss in Arndale for the past week. Lmao at you thinking m'boro are good you ******* thick ****. **** off mate you arrogant ******* ***** boy.
One word.



Illiterate.