Rangers exit Europe. - Champions League
3 months ago Rangers were playing Zenit St Petersburg in the final of the UEFA Cup at the City of Manchester Stadium, yet last night they were beaten 2-1 by FBK Kaunas of Lithuania to go out of Europe before their League season kicks off.
Rangers were playing the game which was so successful last season in Europe with just Kenny Miller up front and for 86 minutes they looked to be heading for the draw they had set out to achieve, however their luck ran out when ex Hearts player Linas Pilibaitis headed in a winner for the Lithuanians who now go into the 3rd Qualifying round to play probably Aab Aalborg of Denmark who hold a 5-0 lead over Modrica.
Rangers went ahead through Kevin Thomas after 33 minutes but the Lithuanians struck back just before half time through Radzius.
How Kenny Miller must be ruing the early chance he had with just the keeper to beat, but succeeded in lifting his effort over the bar, but to be fair Kaunas deserved their win as Rangers approach was unimaginative.
Walter Smith the Rangers coach was his usual honest self in his assessment of the game saying that he offered no excuses for a lacklustre performance, and it is clear that much work needs to be done tactically and moral wise now if Rangers want to challenge Celtic this term but with the money from Europe having disappeared for this season it will be hard to see the Blue side of Glasgow winning the title.
