Uefa Cup Semi Final 1st leg- Rangers 0-0 Fiorentina (Ibrox Stadium)

[Andygers]

I might as well open this now, even though the game is about a week and a half away.

So this is it we have to do it but its not going to be easy without Ferguson and Thomson and the fact that Mutu is on top form makes it twice as hard, however we have come so far and it would be a real shame to blow it now.

I say Rangers 2-0 Fiorentina :)

Your thoughts???

[Andygers]

Okay this is the team that I expect to play against Fiorentina (after last nights shambles):

-------------Alexander----------------

Whittaker-----Weir-----Celluar-----Papac

Novo---Hendami---Davis---Daily---Burke :(

-------------Cousin----------------------

This team does not fill me with confidence in the slightest but the objective is not to concede and we will succeed.

[Italianduke]

I think Rangers will win this first leg but Fiorentina will be able to score a goal which will make the return very interesting

[Andygers]

^ Hmmmm maybe.

[DelijaZauvjek]

Bye bye Rangers is all I can say..
Mutu is going to crush all in his path to the finals.
If Italians get lucky and score the first goal it's about 99 percent over.
Just try scoring on a winning Italian club lol. They shut down and retreat on defense playing the best counterattacking in the world. Only the Italians my friend.

[nb-legenda]

lol when I watch the scoresheets, all I see is:

9' Luca Toni
8' Luca Toni
7' Luca Toni
6' Luca Toni
5' Luca Toni

lol, Italians. Come on Rangers you can do it! Come on Cousin, score some goals! No really... his name is Cousin lol

[Andygers]

They shut down and retreat on defense playing the best counterattacking in the world. Only the Italians my friend. Have you watched Rangers at all this season, we play the exact same way that you have just quoted. This game has 0-0 writen all over it.

[Andygers]

lol, Italians. Come on Rangers you can do it! Come on Cousin, score some goals! No really... his name is Cousin lol Yes but his name is pronounced Coosaan :lol:

I hope we do it!!! its going to be damn tough though!!!

[13Ballack13]

lol when I watch the scoresheets, all I see is:

9' Luca Toni
8' Luca Toni
7' Luca Toni
6' Luca Toni
5' Luca Toni

lol, Italians. Come on Rangers you can do it! Come on Cousin, score some goals! No really... his name is Cousin lol

Luca tonii of course, i love hearing his name in the scoresheet shows that he wants to stay at bayern for a very long time :)
hes always dangerous with the headers when schweinsteiger sends him those beautiful crosses :).....
i think its gonna be 1-1 in the first leg.....

[nb-legenda]

Yes but his name is pronounced Coosaan :lol:

I hope we do it!!! its going to be damn tough though!!!

yeah because he's French lol

[Andygers]

Ballack, What that has to do with Rangers-Fiorentina I do not know but anyway Luca Toni is a good player.

[DelijaZauvjek]

I can pretty much bet you money that Fiorentina will win this match.
All you guys have is good defense. I don't know if you have watched any of the late Fiorentina match including Uefa and domestic league but they have been on fire!
It's going to be close but 2-1 or 1-0 for Fiorentina.
Both home and Away.
It's just my opinion so stop always trying to disagree or agrue about it Ranger Boy.

[nb-legenda]

lol only defence. If you follow Rangers enough, you'll see their strikers sometimes unstoppable.

[DelijaZauvjek]

I've seen them play numerous times lol..
I've also seen that they bearly beat a weak Serbian Crvena Zvezda team by 1-0 in the 90th minute..................
If that is all they can do, then they don't have much to look forward to in a very strong and "hot" Fioretina.

[Andygers]

I've seen them play numerous times lol..
I've also seen that they bearly beat a weak Serbian Crvena Zvezda team by 1-0 in the 90th minute..................
If that is all they can do, then they don't have much to look forward to in a very strong and "hot" Fioretina. That Red Star game was at the start of the season, we have became a far stronger side since then. For example we beat Lyon and Bremen when we were not expected to, we are also only one of two teams in europe still able to win 4 throphies, so your assesment is abosulte b/s in my opinion.

[DelijaZauvjek]

lol@ 4 tournaments.
Wow, like your Scottish cups matter anyways
What competition is there anyway?
Celtics? hah

Listen stop praising yourself. Beating Bremen and Lyon isn't anything too spectacular.

[Sema]

Rangers got this 2 - 0.

[nb-legenda]

lol Rangers beat Lyon 3-0 and Stuttgart too and tied with Barca. Rangers 1-0 Red Star, at least they won dude.

This game is too tough to call, I'm thinking Rangers will win at home 1-0, after that, not sure what happens.

[DelijaZauvjek]

Thing is though Fiorentina kinda suck at home and play more intense on away games!! haha
I know its funny but it's true. Rangers can take full advantage against this.
All i'm saying is that if Fiorentina scores the first goal consider that a
"Nananananna Hey hey hey goodbye glasgow"
=D

Of course Sarma is going to go against everything I say and the Bosnians go with Rangers because of Papac or whoever plays in Rangers lol.
It's all good ;)
Mutu will score like 10 goals hehe ;)

[Andygers]

lol@ 4 tournaments.
Wow, like your Scottish cups matter anyways
What competition is there anyway?
Celtics? hah They do matter, when you're on the verge of winning a quadrupile, what team do you support? I bet they are nowhere near a quad this season and yes Celtic are our main rivals but Lyon don't have any main rivals and they don't win 4 cups???

Listen stop praising yourself. Beating Bremen and Lyon isn't anything too spectacular. Okay so beating a team that were tipped to be the UEFA cup winners isn't anything too spectacular? and also beating a team 3-0 away from home that Barcelona could only draw with and Man U could only draw with isn't spectacular either??

You have got to have a look at yourself buddy, i'm sorry you talk utter crap.

[Andygers]

This game is too tough to call, I'm thinking Rangers will win at home 1-0, after that, not sure what happens. God with all the injuries that we have got 1-0 would be an amazing scoreline, thanks for the support anyway!!!!

[ulster21]

I'm hoping for 0-0 or 1-0 win to Rangers although it will tough since we are a little beat up

[Andygers]

Heres the teams European results this season:

Rangers:

CL Qualifying Round 2

Rangers 2-0 Zeta
Zeta 0-1 Rangers

CL Qualifying Round 3

Rangers 1-0 Red Star
Red Star 0-0 Rangers

CL Group Stage

Rangers 2-1 Stuttgart
Lyon 0-3 Rangers
Rangers 0-0 Barcelona
Barcelona 2-0 Rangers
Stuttgart 3-2 Rangers
Rangers 0-3 Lyon

UEFA Cup Round of 32

Rangers 0-0 Panathinakios
Panathinakios 1-1 Rangers

UEFA Cup Last 16

Rangers 2-0 Werder Bremen
Werder Bremen 1-0 Rangers

UEFA Cup Quarter Final

Rangers 0-0 Sporting CP
Sporting CP 0-2 Rangers

Played:16 Won:7 Drawn:5 Lost:4
----------------------------------------

Fiorentina:

UEFA Cup First Round

Groningen 1-1 Fiorentina
Fiorentina 1-1 Groningen (Fiorentina win 4-3 on pens)

UEFA Cup Group Stage

Villarreal 1-1 Fiorentina
Fiorentina 6-1 Elfsborg
AEK 1-1 Fiorentina
Fiorentina 2-1 Mladá Boleslav

UEFA Cup Round of 32

Roesnborg 0-1 Fiorentina
Fiorentina 2-1 Rosenborg

UEFA Cup Last 16

Fiorentina 2-0 Everton
Everton 2-0 Fiorentina (Fiorentina win 4-2 on pens)

UEFA Cup Quarter Final

Fiorentina 1-1 PSV
PSV 0-2 Fiorentina

Played:12 Won:6 Drawn:5 Lost:1

[Andygers]

I'm hoping for 0-0 or 1-0 win to Rangers although it will tough since we are a little beat up It was always going to be tough with our full team but now it is 4x more tough I just hope we suprise people once again and win.

[I Am Legend]

Andy or Ulster, What dates do Rangers play these semi final games on?

[Andygers]

Andy or Ulster, What dates do Rangers play these semi final games on? 1st leg at Ibrox is on 24th April (next Thursday) and the 2nd leg is on 1st May.

[I Am Legend]

1st leg at Ibrox is on 24th April (next Thursday) and the 2nd leg is on 1st May.

Cool, I'll be back in the UK for those games then. Thanks man!

[Andygers]

^ They will both be on ITV4 if you can get it and as far as I know for the second leg you will be able to watch both games on that channel because of early kick off in Russia.

[I Am Legend]

^ They will both be on ITV4 if you can get it and as far as I know for the second leg you will be able to watch both games on that channel because of early kick off in Russia.


My local pub has ITV4. :smoking:

[Andygers]

^ Cool, I find their coverage of Rangers games outstanding, much better than the Celtic Biased coverage that we get up here.

[I Am Legend]

^ Cool, I find their coverage of Rangers games outstanding, much better than the Celtic Biased coverage that we get up here.

Well most of england wants Rangers to do well. Celtic fans are few and far between down here.

[Andygers]

^ That is probably because Celtic are ashamed of their British roots whereas we are proud of our British roots.

[Andygers]

Rangers injury and suspension news: There will be no Lee McCulloch due to a broken foot, he is suspected to be out for the rest of the season. Allan McGregor is also out due to a twisted ankle and he will be out for two weeks. Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson are suspended after reciveing yellow cards in Lisbon.....This doesn't look too good my friends!!

[ulster21]

Rangers injury and suspension news: There will be no Lee McCulloch due to a broken foot, he is suspected to be out for the rest of the season. Allan McGregor is also out due to a twisted ankle and he will be out for two weeks. Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson are suspended after reciveing yellow cards in Lisbon.....This doesn't look too good my friends!!

How quickly you lose faith Andy:sad:...............I feel something coming on....I can't quite put my finger on it.....Begins with an A...... Ad......Charlie f**king Adam!!!! Rangers win 2-0 with 2 goals from Adam :D

[Andygers]

How quickly you lose faith Andy:sad:...............I feel something coming on....I can't quite put my finger on it.....Begins with an A...... Ad......Charlie f**king Adam!!!! Rangers win 2-0 with 2 goals from Adam :D I haven't lost faith I am just saying it doesn't look too good for the rest of the season.

Ah I just remembered the other player that is out with injury is....Charlie Adam. Anyway I am sticking with my 2-0 prediction.

COME ON THE GERS!!!

[ulster21]

I haven't lost faith I am just saying it doesn't look too good for the rest of the season.

Ah I just remembered the other player that is out with injury is....Charlie Adam. Anyway I am sticking with my 2-0 prediction.

COME ON THE GERS!!!

Your not serious about Adam are u???

Don't know about 2-0...I think this will be a classic Walter Smith European match....0-0

[Andygers]

Your not serious about Adam are u???

Don't know about 2-0...I think this will be a classic Walter Smith European match....0-0 I am 100% serious about Adam, if you notice since he has been out we have played better as a team.

I just have a feeling we will have to score at Ibrox and not concede to go through in this tie. So I am staying with 2-0.

[ulster21]

I am 100% serious about Adam, if you notice since he has been out we have played better as a team.

I just have a feeling we will have to score at Ibrox and not concede to go through in this tie. So I am staying with 2-0.


2-0 Would be fine with me:smoking:......I just do not know what to expect from this game at all!!

[I Am Legend]

2-0 Would be fine with me:smoking:......I just do not know what to expect from this game at all!!


I actually think 0-0 at home will be a good result for Rangers.

[Andygers]

2-0 Would be fine with me:smoking:......I just do not know what to expect from this game at all!! Well I do expect this game to be more like Bremen than Panathinaikos or Sporting. I think that only play well against teams that go all out attack, so in that aspect we will be a little better off but this is going to take one massive attempt and I am worried that we will be too tired come Sunday at Celtic park.

[Andygers]

I actually think 0-0 at home will be a good result for Rangers. I am not sure at all that 0-0 will do, I am just concerened that they will do to us in Italy what they did to Everton.

[I Am Legend]

I am not sure at all that 0-0 will do, I am just concerened that they will do to us in Italy what they did to Everton.

I just watched all of Fiorentina v Inter. They are not a bad side. Rangers will need to be on top of their game to beat them over 2 legs.

[Andygers]

^ Was that the 2:0 win for Inter last Sunday because I watched that as well and they did look a very handy team but the one thing that I know that helps us is that they try and play counter attack. So it will be like Counter vs Counter and in most cases like that it is the team that have more passion and fight that win and I know if we are motivated then we can fight any team in the world.

[I Am Legend]

^ Was that the 2:0 win for Inter last Sunday because I watched that as well and they did look a very handy team but the one thing that I know that helps us is that they try and play counter attack. So it will be like Counter vs Counter and in most cases like that it is the team that have more passion and fight that win and I know if we are motivated then we can fight any team in the world.

Yes same game.

[Andygers]

^ Well that game was pretty entertaning.

[DelijaZauvjek]

I'm going to rub it in your face Andy when Rangers lose because you are annoying.
My sig will be
Rangers lost to Fiorentina or the score

[nb-legenda]

^ Andygers is never annoying.

Really, I want Rangers to win because I like their players and nerighborhood (if you want to call it that) and I don't like any Fiorentina players.

Hey I don't think beating Stuttgart, Lyon, Sporting, Panathinaikos, Bremen, and drawing with Barcelona is anything dissapointing lol only few clubs can do this.

[Andygers]

I'm going to rub it in your face Andy when Rangers lose because you are annoying.
My sig will be
Rangers lost to Fiorentina or the score Explain how supporting my team makes me annoying?

I will just celebrate if we win not bang on about something completely unrelated to me or my team.

[Andygers]

^ Andygers is never annoying.

Really, I want Rangers to win because I like their players and nerighborhood (if you want to call it that) and I don't like any Fiorentina players.

Hey I don't think beating Stuttgart, Lyon, Sporting, Panathinaikos, Bremen, and drawing with Barcelona is anything dissapointing lol only few clubs can do this. Thanks man, I get very few compliments round here :lol:

Our Record in Europe is one of the top ten this season and for someone to say other wise is just stupid.

[nb-legenda]

How many times did you guys play Celtic in 2007/2008 season, both cup and league and how many did Rangers win/tie/lose?? Is it safe to say Rangers is better than them? Maybe not, Celtic beat Rangers 2-1 few days ago :( but Rangers were more impressive in 2008

[DelijaZauvjek]

Nermin you're such a suck up as always.

Just admit it. The only reason you like Rangers is because of Papac, the Bosnian that plays for Rangers.
Or else, you wouldn't give a rats ass about them. You're soo fake just like the rest of your buddies in the Bosnian forum. Just come out with the truth and stop faking it.

Rangers are good. But to say that they are in top 10 is hilarious.
They didn't even make top 16 of champions leauge.
I believe that is the top 16 clubs in all europe no?

[Andygers]

How many times did you guys play Celtic in 2007/2008 season, both cup and league and how many did Rangers win/tie/lose?? Is it safe to say Rangers is better than them? Maybe not, Celtic beat Rangers 2-1 few days ago :( but Rangers were more impressive in 2008 We have played 3 times this season, the first was a 3-0 Rangers victory at Ibrox, then a few weeks back we again at Ibrox we won 1-0 and a few days days ago as you know we were beaten 2-1 by them. Theres one more game to go at Celtic park a week on Sunday.

On aggragate this season its 5-2 to Rangers :)

[Andygers]

Rangers are good. But to say that they are in top 10 is hilarious.
They didn't even make top 16 of champions leauge.
I believe that is the top 16 clubs in all europe no? Again Delija you are wrong I said Rangers record in Europe this season is one of the top ten. I did not mention us being one of the ten best teams in Europe, Offically we are the 15th best team if you look at the club rankings but I did not say anything about that in the first place.

[nb-legenda]

Nermin you're such a suck up as always.

Just admit it. The only reason you like Rangers is because of Papac, the Bosnian that plays for Rangers.
Or else, you wouldn't give a rats ass about them. You're soo fake just like the rest of your buddies in the Bosnian forum. Just come out with the truth and stop faking it.

Rangers are good. But to say that they are in top 10 is hilarious.
They didn't even make top 16 of champions leauge.
I believe that is the top 16 clubs in all europe no?

1) I'm no suck-up lol
2) Papac is my least favorite player in my national team
3) Andygers said top 10, not me
4) Yes, Rangers do deserve top 10 best results in both cup and champions league because they do have one of the best results lol. And as always, you make out something completely untrue to what was being originally said. Not your first time
5) Scotland is one of my favorite national teams, Rangers being very Scottish and awesome players, I have 2 awesome Scottish friends, 1 boy 1 girl, and my dad is a friend of a Scottish guy, they are business partners, and I find Scots smart and mature. Is there something wrong? Am I a suck-up for liking other nationalities? Make some friends dude, like seriously, no joke.

[DelijaZauvjek]

Nermin nobody gives a crap about your personal life..
If you haven't noticed it's a football site.
"I have a scotish friend yadayadayada..... Who cares.

Rangers aren't top ten in world. They didn't make final 16, so how is that the best result?

[Sema]

Delija, face it, the only reason you're bashing Rangers is because your fellow Serb, Kuzmanovic plays for Fiorentina, otherwise, you wouldn't give a rats ass.

Rangers getting this far isn't anything spectacular, but losing to Braga, Bolton, Aris and Bayern sure is! Haha.

[nb-legenda]

Nermin nobody gives a crap about your personal life..
If you haven't noticed it's a football site.
"I have a scotish friend yadayadayada..... Who cares.

Rangers aren't top ten in world. They didn't make final 16, so how is that the best result?

My my... one (keyword) of the best results (by this, the games and wins they had against specific teams like Barca, Lyon, Stuttgart, Bremen, Sporting...) in both competitions. I don't have anything against you but your opinions are ignorant, lack knowledge, and you respond in a way that tells you never ever read the entire post of any post in the whole of SFN.

Delija... sorry I had to respond. You say I'm a suck up and I support Rangers only because of Papac. I gave my reasons why, and now what is your deal? Now you insult me about my personal life because I wrote my response to your complaints.

:hungry:

[DelijaZauvjek]

No, I don't insult you about your personal life. I just want you to keep that to yourself buddy boy.
We talk about football here.
Especially in this thread it has nothing to do with half of the things you say.
It's fiorentina vs Rangers not Nermins life story.
Enjoy

[nb-legenda]

"Nermin you're such a suck up as always.

Just admit it. The only reason you like Rangers is because of Papac, the Bosnian that plays for Rangers."
-DelijaZauvjek

What can I say?

[Andygers]

Guys lets not turn this into a flame war!!

[Andygers]

Rangers aren't top ten in world. They didn't make final 16, so how is that the best result? Oh Jesus you complelete and utter ignorant dumbass...Results are the end scores against certian teams in Europe.

So far Rangers have beaten Zeta, Red Star, Stuttgart, Lyon, Bremen and Sporting and have drawn with Barcelona, Panathinakios, Red Star and Sporting....If thats not a good record then I don't know what is.

[I Am Legend]

Guys lets not turn this into a flame war!!


Nermin strikes again! :sad:

[I Am Legend]

Oh Jesus you complelete and utter ignorant dumbass...Results are the end scores against certian teams in Europe.

So far Rangers have beaten Zeta, Red Star, Stuttgart, Lyon, Bremen and Sporting and have drawn with Barcelona, Panathinakios, Red Star and Sporting....If thats not a good record then I don't know what is.

Steady on Andy. Deep breaths. :drum:

[Andygers]

Steady on Andy. Deep breaths. :drum: Sorry man I just hate it when people talk crap and call me annoying just for having faith in my team.

[Andygers]

Nermin strikes again! :sad: No Delija strikes again....

[I Am Legend]

No Delija strikes again....


The big picture is that Nermin was the catalyst. He poked in and fired delija up.

Anyhows I'm just gonna lay low. I still favour a 0-0 in first match with rangers getting 1-1 away.

[Andygers]

^ If you read the whole thread Delija starts it by calling me annoying for no reason, then Nermin came in and defended me...but none of this really matters so lets just discuss the game :thumbsup:

[I Am Legend]

^ If you read the whole thread Delija starts it by calling me annoying for no reason, then Nermin came in and defended me...but none of this really matters so lets just discuss the game :thumbsup:


Nermin follows Delija around, really he does. I think it is that whole Bosnis/Serbia thing. Anyhow the game is the big issue here and i am very much looking forward to watching it when i get back to the UK.

[Andygers]

^ When do you get back?

Its sure going to be a special night at Ibrox!!!

[I Am Legend]

^ When do you get back?

Its sure going to be a special night at Ibrox!!!

Hopefully about 7am on St Georges Day. Sooooooooooooooo it will be a short nap then out to watch Man Utd and Barca and then the day after Rangers and Fio. Then back to work. :eek::hurt::baby::nono:

[Andygers]

Hopefully about 7am on St Georges Day. Sooooooooooooooo it will be a short nap then out to watch Man Utd and Barca and then the day after Rangers and Fio. Then back to work. :eek::hurt::baby::nono: Sounds nice I will have to get a stream for the Man U game. Cannot wait for the Rangers game though!!!

[I Am Legend]

So far, so good as Aberdeen are holding celtic. :smoking:

[Andygers]

Yes from the sounds of it Celtic haven't had a shot on goal so far and Aberdeen hit the post earlier on.

[I Am Legend]

Yes from the sounds of it Celtic haven't had a shot on goal so far and Aberdeen hit the post earlier on.

Please do not give them any respect. Even using a capital C to spell celtic is too much. Keep it to a small c. :smoking:

[Andygers]

celtic have just scored 1-0 :(

[I Am Legend]

celtic have just scored 1-0 :(

I see that. The Bistards! :lol:

[Andygers]

Yes I am angry with that.....

If celtic hold on then they go top by 1 point, although we will have 3 games in hand.

[I Am Legend]

Yes I am angry with that.....

If celtic hold on then they go top by 1 point, although we will have 3 games in hand.


Well even if they do beat you in your next game against each other that would give them 4 points on you. I would still more than expect Rangers to get 5 points from those 3 games in hand.

[I Am Legend]

Yes I am angry with that.....

If celtic hold on then they go top by 1 point, although we will have 3 games in hand.

You sure? I reckon they would be 2 points clear?

[Andygers]

^ Oh yeah lol sorry!!

[Andygers]

Damn it!! celtic 1-0 aberdeen full time

Anyway on topic I hope we dont get any injuries tomorrow!!

[Andygers]

I just watched Fiorentina 1:0 Parlermo and they didn't look as dangerous as I thought bthey would be.

[Andygers]

Wow I'm nervous about this game now!!!

[DelijaZauvjek]

Fiorentina is saving their energy just as Rangers saved theirs when they lost against Celtic..
Think about it lol.
It's going to be a lot tougher than you think.
It could go either way and there are no favorites in this match.
If Rangers secure a draw or win at home, then you guys have a huge chance of beating Fiorentina because they really play no different at home and on road.

[Saraj Fanático]

I have no idea who I want to win the uefa up. My childhood fav team Bayern or the Rangers because of Papac. I really hope Sasa gets this trophy. Anyways, Rangers better slam Fiorentina at Ibrox. Because in Italy it will be unpleasant to say the least.

[I Am Legend]

I have no idea who I want to win the uefa up. My childhood fav team Bayern or the Rangers because of Papac. I really hope Sasa gets this trophy. Anyways, Rangers better slam Fiorentina at Ibrox. Because in Italy it will be unpleasant to say the least.

Why will it be unpleasant?

[Andygers]

^ I think he assumes that they will whip us over there.

[Andygers]

Fiorentina is saving their energy just as Rangers saved theirs when they lost against Celtic..
Think about it lol.
It's going to be a lot tougher than you think.
It could go either way and there are no favorites in this match.
If Rangers secure a draw or win at home, then you guys have a huge chance of beating Fiorentina because they really play no different at home and on road. The game at the moment is in a 55%-45% advantage to Fiorentina at the moment but Rangers always pull it out the hat when not expected to and I think we can do it once again!!

[nb-legenda]

ooo bad... too many players missing

I thought Novo was outstanding in the last couple of games.

[13Ballack13]

I have a feeling will take Fiorentina this leg by a score of 1-0, because Rangers have way to many injuries to there team, there missing basically there key players that can change the game around for Rangers....... but hopefully Rangers will pull out with a tie but anything can happen....

[Andygers]

Novo shows much passion and he will probably be playing on Thursday!

[Andygers]

Ujfaluši ruled out of Rangers opener

ACF Fiorentina defender Tomáš Ujfaluši will miss the first leg of his side's UEFA Cup semi-final against Rangers FC after suffering a thigh injury during Saturday's Serie A win over US Città di Palermo.

Key player

Fiorentina say that Ujfaluši will be out of action for between seven and ten days, which also puts the centre-back in doubt for the return match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on 1 May. The 30-year-old lasted only half an hour of the home victory against Palermo before succumbing to his injured right thigh. Ujfaluši, capped 66 times by the Czech Republic, has been a key part of the Viola's success this term, featuring in 24 Serie A matches and in eleven UEFA Cup games.

Source- uefa.com

[Andygers]

I personally think this is great news for us!!

Finally some good news for the Gers :).

[DelijaZauvjek]

Oooh that sucks.
he's like fiorentinas best player..
Besides Mutu.
Wow!
Well, that brought your chances up to 60 percent.

[Andygers]

I would say its about 50%-50% right now.

If we had our full team then it would be 60%-40% to us.

[DelijaZauvjek]

Ujfalusi is a huge infulence on Fiorentina.......
Like I said it's pretty much their second best player on pitch infulence wise.

[nb-legenda]

Never watched him play but the ratings by a lot of people tell me he's really good. I saw Rangers play couple of times, very attacking football and can retreat to defence pretty quickly instead of be a victim of counterattack. I expected a lot of defencing football from Fiorentina like most Italian clubs (sometimes defence is the best attack ;)) but since that key player is out, there's a bigger chance for Rangers. Just don't throw it away lol

[Andygers]

Smith looks to clear Fiorentina hurdle

Despite missing a host of key players for their UEFA Cup semi-final first leg against ACF Fiorentina, Rangers FC manager Walter Smith is confident his side have what it takes to advance after developing a winning formula in the knockout stages thus far.

Clean sheet key

With Rangers facing a packed fixture schedule as they chase an unprecedented quadruple having reached the Scottish Cup final at the weekend, Smith has admitted a fourth consecutive clean sheet at home in the UEFA Cup will be key to their chances against Fiorentina. Previous visitors Panathinaikos FC, Werder Bremen and Sporting Clube de Portugal all paid the price for failing to score in Glasgow, although Rangers are deprived of nine first-team players through injury or suspension for the visit of the Italian side, including goalkeeper Allan McGregor and captain Barry Ferguson. The vastly-experienced Smith is nevertheless confident his team will rise to the occasion again, saying: "Obviously we have some key men missing but we have looked the at opposition closely and I'm sure the side I put out will perform well."

Final within sight

"In European games these days it's important to take care at home because away goals are liable to punish you," the 60-year-old added. "Throughout our UEFA Cup campaign we've had all our opening games at Ibrox and have been relatively successful. If it finishes 0-0, we would feel we could go to Florence and score ourselves. We've worked hard and, at times, enjoyed some luck to reach this stage, but now we are within sight of a European final. For a coach or player that's a very big thing in your career."

A new era

Fiorentina are also thankful to be just two matches away from a European final – a first in 18 years – after suffering financial meltdown and being demoted to the fourth tier of Italian football just six seasons ago. Now, under the steady hand of Cesare Prandelli, the reborn Viola are firing on all cylinders at home and abroad. Standing fourth in Serie A, Fiorentina's darkest days have been consigned to history and for their coach, a place in the UEFA Cup final would mark the dawn of a new era for the Tuscan club.

'Only the beginning'

However, the former Juventus player is aware Rangers will be no pushovers, explaining: "When we see how far we've come, it gives us great satisfaction. However, this is only the beginning. We have come a long way and our performances in the UEFA Cup have made us grow in confidence. But we must stay focused because we have won nothing yet."

'Extra responsibility'

Fiorentina will give influential defender Tomáš Ujfaluši – who suffered a thigh strain in the weekend win against US Città di Palermo – until the last minute to prove his fitness. Prandelli is conscious of his opponents' severe injury problems but insists his players cannot afford to be complacent, adding: "I know they have some players injured, but I'm sure they'll still be strong. Rangers are a good team. They don't just defend and play long passes, they move the ball around then strike on the counterattack. We're proud to be the last Italian club still in European competition, but we also have an extra responsibility."

[Andygers]

I saw Rangers play couple of times, very attacking football and can retreat to defence pretty quickly instead of be a victim of counterattack. I expected a lot of defencing football from Fiorentina like most Italian clubs (sometimes defence is the best attack ;)) but since that key player is out, there's a bigger chance for Rangers. Just don't throw it away lol
Yes well we do have a decent chance but we are more defence minded than attack, which might be good.

[I Am Legend]

Oooh that sucks.
he's like fiorentinas best player..
Besides Mutu.
Wow!
Well, that brought your chances up to 60 percent.

Mutu is a drug cheat he shouldn't be playing anyhow.

[I Am Legend]

Andygers, my mind is scrambled with all of the trophies Rangers are going for. How many this season have they won to date? Actually in the cabinet.

[I Am Legend]

Never watched him play but the ratings by a lot of people tell me he's really good. I saw Rangers play couple of times, very attacking football and can retreat to defence pretty quickly instead of be a victim of counterattack. I expected a lot of defencing football from Fiorentina like most Italian clubs (sometimes defence is the best attack ;)) but since that key player is out, there's a bigger chance for Rangers. Just don't throw it away lol

Only couple of times?

[DelijaZauvjek]

lol@ Drug cheat.
How so?
The man is one of the best strikers in Seria A this season.
Hate all you want but he's a good player.

[I Am Legend]

lol@ Drug cheat.
How so?
The man is one of the best strikers in Seria A this season.
Hate all you want but he's a good player.


Look back at his record. I am not HATING on anyone. He is a drugs cheat. He may be a good striker in SERIEA, but i doubt he would be in many premiership starting line ups. That is not hating it is fact.

[I Am Legend]

Sunday Mirror, Oct 24, 2004 by PAUL SMITH

ROMAN Abramovich has intervened in the row over Romanian drug cheat Adrian Mutu to insist Chelsea will not terminate his contract.

Mutu was expected to be shown the door after failing a random drug test taken in September and following his advisers' claim that Mutu had admitted taking cocaine.

Even though Mutu has now denied taken the illegal substance and claimed he took a supplement to assist his sexual performance, he has some unlikely allies in club owner Abramovich and his 11-year-old son Arkady, who dotes on the Romanian and wears a Chelsea shirt bearing the number seven and Mutu's name.

[I Am Legend]

Good luck to Rangers tonight. It is a very tough game given the injuries they have, but hopefully they can get through it.

[Andygers]

Andygers, my mind is scrambled with all of the trophies Rangers are going for. How many this season have they won to date? Actually in the cabinet.Okay heres the simple equation:

CIS Cup winners
2nd In The SPL With Three Games In Hand
Scottish Cup Finalists
Uefa Cup Semi Finalists

[Andygers]

lol@ Drug cheat.
How so?
The man is one of the best strikers in Seria A this season.
Hate all you want but he's a good player. LMAO he left Chelsea because he was a drug cheat!

Your ignorance is amazing my friend....

[Andygers]

Good luck to Rangers tonight. It is a very tough game given the injuries they have, but hopefully they can get through it. Yes I hope we can really do it, it would be a shame to whimper out at this stage. Walter Smith even said this is the biggest test in his life, so that must say something about the game.

[cartel]

Forza Rangers!!

May the Force be with you!! :)

[Saraj Fanático]

Back on topic you guys, this is a good match.

Rangers line up.

----------------------Alexander-----------------------------

-----Broadfoot----Weir-----------Cueellar---------Papac-----

---Whittaker-----Hemdani-------Davis-----Daily-------Novo---

-------------------------Darcheville------------------------

[Andygers]

Half time: Rangers 0-0 Fiorentina

Its been a routine first half from Rangers, letting the other team come on to them and just mopping it up. Theres been a few nervy moments but nothing that we haven't come to expect from Rangers this season.

P.S Whittaker you are not Ronaldo! These stupid tricks aren't working!!

[13Ballack13]

Come on Rangers 0 shots on target what is that, hopefully u guys can score a
goal in the second half, good luck guys...

[Andygers]

Well its over the second half was a lot better and remember that was nowhere near our full team and that was Fiorentina's best team!

So when the key players come back next week I expect us to be more dangerous.

[nb-legenda]

0-0

[I Am Legend]

Advantage Rangers. They will score in Italy.

[ulster21]

Well Andy this is your dream score...0-0 draw........At least we have the advantage going to Italy

[Andygers]

Well Andy this is your dream score...0-0 draw........At least we have the advantage going to Italy If that is having a dig at me for supporting the managers decision to use a winning tactic, well heres why I support it. If you look at the last three times we went with 2 up they have all ended up with draws and us shipping goals left, right and center.

[ulster21]

^...I am just interested in the strategy against Bayern in the final....what is it going to be..play for penalty kicks???

[Andygers]

Oh come on, we have won plenty of times playing that formation in Europe, e.g Zeta x2, Red Star, Stuttgart, Lyon, Bremen and Sporting.

Do you think we will lie down in a final? I don't and I trust the team because of this and remember the last team that went out and attacked Bayern, Getafe and they blew it.