Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rangers came agonisingly close to booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions' League only for their European dream to come to an end in Villarreal last night, after Peter Lovenkrands' 12th-minute strike had promised to provide the win that would have allowed Alex McLeish's side to defy the odds and 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 players are shattered - they gave everything," McLeish said. "We had some great chances to get one of the most historic results in Rangers' history. I am very proud of the players' performance - their discipline and composure. It's the proudest I've been without a doubt."
The Danish striker Lovenkrands gave Rangers an ideal start, firing past Sebastian Viera. But Villarreal put Rangers under pressure after Sotirios Kyrgiakos fouled Diego Forlan. Juan Roman Riquelme flighted a free-kick into the box only for Forlan to nod past Ronald Waterreus and over the bar.
Rangers were shattered just four minutes after half-time when the Spaniards drew level. Forlan crossed and a back-heel from Riquelme allowed Arruabarrena to fire home from just outside the six-yard box.
Villarreal then went in search of a goal to kill off Rangers, narrowly missing out when Guillermo Franco twice forced Waterreus into impressive saves.
The build-up to the match was marred when a group of ticketless Rangers' fans hurled bottles at the Villarreal bus as it arrived.
Villarreal (4-4-2): Viera; Javi Venta (Hector Font, h-t), Rodriguez, Pena, Arruabarrena; Senna, Tacchinardi, Josico, Riquelme; Forlan, Jose Mari (Franco, h-t). Substitutes not used: Barbosa (gk), Guayre, Calleja, Quique Alvarez, Alcantara.
Rangers (4-5-1): Waterreus; Hutton, Rodriguez, Kyrgiakos, Murray; Burke, Ferguson, Hemdani, Namouchi, Buffel (Boyd, 63); Lovenkrands. Substitutes not used: Klos (gk), Ricksen, Bernard, Andrews, Novo, G Rae.
Referee: A Hamer (Luxembourg).
* Juventus progressed to the quarter-finals, beating Werder Bremen 2-1 in Turin. Goals from David Trezeguet and Emerson two minutes from time secured a win on away goals after a 3-2 defeat in the first leg.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments