Rangers out of Europe

Updated 22.08 Tue Aug 05 2008

Keywords: Champions League, Rangers, FBK Kaunas

Rangers have crashed out of the Champions League after an unlikely defeat in Lithuania.

The first leg of their qualifier against FBK Kaunas at Ibrox ended goalless last week but Kevin Thomson netted in the first half to put the Glasgow giants ahead.

The defeat means Rangers' European season - which could have netted them £10 million - is over before the start of the Scottish Premier League campaign

And they looked set to progress on away goals even after Nerijus Radzius levelled for the hosts.

But there was a last-gasp sucker-punch when Linas Pilibaitis headed home from close range after a poorly-defended corner.

The defeat means Rangers' European season - which could have netted them £10 million - is over before the start of the Scottish Premier League campaign.

The scenario was almost unthinkable for a team who played 19 matches in Europe last season, culminating in defeat to Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA Cup final.

Manager Walter Smith said: "It's a blow in every aspect, including the financial side and everything that comes with it."