Gers UEFA joy

Nacho Novo celebrates slotting home the winning pen.

After a marathon campaign in Europe which started in the second qualifying round of Champions League in August, Rangers are through to the UEFA Cup final.

The Gers triumphed in a nervy penalty shoot-out after drawing 0-0 (aet) against Italian side Fiorentina.

It was Nacho Novo who slotted home the spot kick which saw Rangers through to the final at the City of Manchester Stadium on 14 May.

It was an impressive display from Rangers who played out the last 20 minutes of extra time with 10 men after Daniel Cousin was red carded.

It’s been a remarkable season for Rangers and manager Walter Smith, it puts the Gers on course for a unique ‘quadruple.’

They have won the CIS Cup and are in the final of the Scottish Cup, while their SPL challenge is neck and neck with bitter rivals Celtic.

In Europe alone they have played 18 games, winning seven, drawing seven and losing four. They have also failed to score in nine of those games – but their resilience has seen them through.

‘We were put under quite a bit of pressure as the game wore on, but there were few clear-cut opportunities during the game,’ said Smith.

‘I'm delighted for everyone connected with the club that we've managed to get to the final.

‘It's been a fantastic achievement, right from the start of the season.’

Rangers will face Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg who hammered Bayern Munich 4-0 (5-1 aggregate) in the final.

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