Stuttgart put paid to Rangers’ hopes

Stuttgart 1 Rangers 0

Defender Timo Wenzel netted the only goal of a game Rangers had kicked off needing nothing short of victory to stay alive, and the Scottish champions must now make sure of a place in the UEFA Cup by avoiding defeat at home to Panathinaikos in the final game.

Rangers manager Alex McLeish was without five experienced players as Mikel Arteta, Ronald de Boer, Craig Moore, Christian Nerlinger and Steven Thompson were all out injured. Stephen Hughes was booked in the fourth minute for a challenge on Silvio Meissner that was both high and late. Rangers got into a rhythm and came more into the game. Hildebrand saved Stuttgart in the 22nd minute when Ross fired a ball into the box from the right and Arveladze chested the ball forward perfectly for the on-rushing Ricksen.