UEFA Cup finalists Rangers out of Europe

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

KAUNAS, Lithuania (AFP) — Rangers' European dream is over before the season has barely begun after the UEFA Cup finalists suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at FBK Kaunas here on Tuesday.

The Scottish giants travelled to Lithuania needing an away goal after last week's goalless first leg of this Champions League second round qualifier.

But with no safety net of the UEFA Cup to fall back on at this stage of the competition Tuesday's loss means Rangers are out of Europe before the Scottish Premier League has even started.

The Lithuanian minnows sealed their place in the next round with a late goal from Linas Pilibaitis.

Rangers had taken the lead in the first half through a rare strike from midfielder Kevin Thomson.

But a thunderbolt free-kick from...