Late Hemdani strike gives Rangers a lifeline

Rangers 1 Osasuna 1

Hemdani curled a glorious shot into the top corner from 25 yards after Rangers had been outplayed for much of tonight’s last-16 first leg tie.

Much of the pre-match concern for Rangers had been the sharpness of Stefan Klos, who made only his fourth start in two years after knee and shoulder injuries in place of the suspended Allan McGregor.

However, Klos kept the Gers in the game on a night when his team-mates looked clumsy in possession against hard-working and dangerous opponents.

Raul Garcia headed the opener as Walter Smith’s side struggled to defend crosses throughout a wet night at Ibrox.

The home side went on to threaten only briefly, until Hemdani gave them hope out of the blue.

But the Gers will have to complete the comeback in Pamplona next Wednesday without skipper Barry

Ferguson, whose first-half booking sees him suspended.

The Spanish side took the game to their hosts from the start and was no surprise when the visitors went ahead in the 17th minute.

Juanlu’s inswinging cross from the right was glanced into the far corner by Garcia.

Osasuna were comfortable for the remainder of the half and another free-kick from the right caused problems for the hosts – but Cuellar failed to connect properly with his header.

The visitors continued to frustrate Rangers after the break and threatened to score a second goal.

Klos rescued his side in the 61st minute with a superb one-handed stop from Juanlu.

Rangers came close moments later but the threat came via the knee of Cuellar, who deflected Novo’s cross just over.

The hosts stepped up a gear and substitute Prso lifted the fans with some surging runs into the box.

But the home side’s susceptibility to high balls almost cost them again when Ehiogu barged into his own keeper before Klos gathered at the second attempt.

The German made another excellent save from a 15-yard shot by Munoz and the Spaniards appeared to be seeing out the win comfortably – until Hemdani’s unlikely leveller.

RANGERS: Klos, Weir, Ehiogu, Murray, Hutton, Thomson (Prso 66), Ferguson, Hemdani, Burke, Adam (Novo 46), Boyd (Sebo 87).

Booked: Ferguson, Hutton. Goals: Hemdani 90.

OSASUNA: Ricardo, Izquierdo, Miguel Flano, Cuellar, Monreal, Raul Garcia, David Lopez, Juanlu (Juanfran 77), Munoz, Nekounam, Webo (Romeo 82).

Booked: Juanlu, Raul Garcia, David Lopez. Goals: Raul Garcia 17.

Referee: Jan Wegereef (Holland)