Agony for Rangers as they exit Europe

Villarreal 1 Rangers 1 (agg: 3-3, Villarreal win on away goals)

Alex McLeish's Rangers came agonisingly close to booking a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League tonight, only for their European dream to come to an end at Villarreal.

The Scottish champions had hoped Peter Lovenkrands’ 12th-minute strike would provide the win that would see them defy all the odds to progress to the last eight.

But a Rodolfo Arruabarrena leveller just four minutes into the second half saw the Spanish side win the tie on away goals, with an aggregate score of 3-3.

The result allowed the Primera Liga team to progress into the last eight after the 2-2 draw at Ibrox two weeks ago.

Rangers manager McLeish admitted he was struggling to speak after the away goals defeat.

McLeish told Scottish Television: “It is difficult to speak just now, but the players are shattered – they gave everything.”

“A piece of brilliance for the equaliser and a couple of saves from Ronnie Waterreus to thank, but we also had our chances.

“We had some great chances to get one of the most historic results in Rangers’ history.”

Coca-Cola Football League Championship Results:

Plymouth 0 Preston 0

Wolverhampton 0 Stoke 0.