Zenit St. Petersburg Becomes Second Russian Squad To Land European Crown

Manchester, England (AHN) - Zenit St. Petersburg captured its first ever European crown after blanking the Rangers 2-0 Wednesday at the UEFA Cup final at City of Manchester Stadium, to become the second Russian team since the 2004-2005 season when CSKA Moscow won the title.

Zenit opened up strong creating several scoring chances and getting minimal threats from the Rangers' offense in first half. But the Rangers found their rhythm in the second launching a scoring chance in the 54th minute with Steven Davis setting up Jean Claude Darcheville who sent the ball towards the far post only to be thwarted by Zenit keeper Viacheslav Malafeev with his legs.

Aleksandr Arshavin made another attempt at the net only to be met by a pair of Rangers covering the net. Neal Alexander then drove off Arshavin as he tried another stab over the defenders inside the far post. Igor Denisov then passed off to Arshavin, who made a narrow but perfect return pass between two defenders to the waiting Denisov in midfield. The midfielder then steered the ball for a shot which got past Alexander putting Zenit up in the 72nd minute.

With momentum on their side, Zenit launched another scoring chance four minutes later as Arshavin set up Konstantin Zurianov from eight yards but his shot hit the outside of the post.

The Rangers tapped Nacho Novo to reinvigorate its sagging offense but was unsuccessful after hitting a shot well over the net from 10 yards.

Fatih Tekke then went to the end line on the left and struck the ball through the face of the goal which got a close-range tap from Zurianov for the go-ahead goal with the final whistle sounding off and the crown going to Zenit.

The Rangers, who were hoping to land its first European title since 1972, are also vying for the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Cup and are four games short of landing the titles. The Rangers have earlier secured the League Cup title.