Webo wipes out Rangers’ European dream

RANGERS’ European adventure was brought to an end last night as they were sent crashing out of the UEFA Cup by Osasuna in Pamplona.

Thu, 15 Mar, 2007 - 00:00

Osasuna 1 Rangers 0 (Agg: 2-1) Mike Perez, Reyno de Navarra

Pierre Webo scored the only goal of the match to secure the Spanish side a 2-1 aggregate victory, ending Gers’ hopes of gracing this year’s final, which will be at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

Osasuna were quickly out of the blocks and dominated the opening 40 minutes.

Bernardo Romeo had the first chance inside the opening minute after being put through on the left hand-side of the Rangers area by Webo. However, his left-footed finish was poor and Allan McGregor was untroubled in the visiting goal.

Osasuna’s domination was total and they should have taken the lead in the 29th minute when a free-kick found Juanlu unmarked on the penalty spot. However, he screwed his effort wide of goal.

Osasuna were back on the attack at the start of the second half and felt they should have had a penalty when a cross struck Murray’s outstretched arm — but the referee waved play on.

Rangers responded by fashioning their best chance of the match.

Rae robbed Javad Nekunam of possession before powering his way into the Osasuna area, but his shot was blocked.

Riot police entered the stands where Rangers fans were seated, separating them from Osasuna supporters. The police stood in front of the visiting fans for around 10 minutes before an incident saw them wade in among the Rangers support, scattering the fans.

Then Webo put Osasuna ahead with 20 minutes remaining. The Rangers defence failed to cut out a cross from the right and Webo latched on to the loose ball at the far post to fire a low shot past McGregor.

Rangers desperately sought a breakthrough but Osasuna held on.

OSASUNA: Ricardo, Cruchaga, Javier Flano, Corrales, Josetxo, Punal, Juanlu (Juanfran 82), Azpilicueta (David Lopez 66), Nekounam, Romeo (Raul Garcia 74), Webo.

RANGERS: McGregor, Weir, Ehiogu, Murray, Hutton, Adam, Rae (Boyd 73), Thomson (Burke 53), Hemdani, Sebo (Prso 64), Novo.

Ref: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark).