Walter Smith's men experienced an epic journey which saw them play 18 European games to reach Manchester, only for them to fall at the final hurdle at the hands of the Russian champions.

Goals from Igor Denisov and Konstantin Zyrianov proved to be the difference between the two sides, with Dick Advocaat triumphing over his former club who had hoped to claim an historic quadruple this season but must now focus on completing a domestic treble.

Despite the official allocation being far less, around 30,000 Rangers fans managed to find their way inside the City of Manchester Stadium with around 100,000 more in fan zones around the city and a packed-out beamback party taking place back at Ibrox.

But the night ended in disappointment for the Glasgow giants, just as it had done for city rivals Celtic at this stage back in 2003.