Arveladze rescues Rangers
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Article summary
FC København 1-2 Rangers FC (Agg: 2-3) Shota Arveladze puts Rangers through late on.
Article body
Tight match
The 1-1 draw in the first leg set the stage for a tight match but Arveladze's goal with four minutes to go was enough to ensure Rangers qualified for the group stage for the first time in four years.
Thick and fast
The first half was closely contested, with chances coming thick and fast for both teams. The most presentable one, though, went to Hjalte Nørregaard, who forced a good save from Stefan Klos with a low shot from distance.
Rooba foul
The scoreline remained level until seven minutes after the interval, when Rangers were awarded a penalty following a foul by FCK defender Urmas Rooba. Mikel Arteta made no mistake from the spot.
Extra-time loomed
Extra-time loomed when Brazilian striker Álvaro Santos equalised for the Danish outfit in the 83rd minute, firing into the net from close range. Rangers, however, had other ideas and Arveladze judged his run to perfection to overcome the offside trap and fire in the winner.
