Villarreal against Rangers

RANGERS SUB: Novo replaces Burke; the young winger has been ill for some of the week with the flu, and hasn't had the best of nights. Novo sprints on with great enthusiasm.

VILLARREAL SUB: Riquelme is replaced by Calleja; it has been a tough night for the Argentine play-maker, and he looks tired as he troops off.

Viera is back on his feet after some lengthy treatment.

Viera needs some treatment after sliding in bravely to cut out a Rangers attack.

Rangers have to start gambling now and getting players forward; they need to take some risks at the back.

There has been a goal just up the coast at the Nou Camp - Ronaldinho has but Barcelona a goal in-front...

GOOD BREAK! Murray is fed in down the left, but his cross is cut out at the near post by the goalkeeper. Rangers are giving it a go.

So, just ten minutes for Rangers to snatch something and make history to become the first Scottish side in to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

ALMOST! Burke shows great vision to try a reverse pass in to the run of Boyd, but the young striker had gone a moment too early and was flagged off-side.

I've seen Villarreal a few times this season, and they are masters at closing a game out; Rangers are going to need luck and great heart to pinch a winner.

Franco needs some treatment on a facial injury after taking a blow to the nose; he looks in a bit of pain, but the Mexican is soon back on his feet. He has done really well since he came on, taking up some great positions.

GREAT CHANCE! Burke fires a sensational cross in to the near post, but Boyd's flick is poor and drifts harmlessly across the face of goal.

CHANCE! Forlan is put in the clear down the right channel, but he opts to try and lift the ball over Waterreus and slices his shot over.

Burke is starting to get in to the game a little more, but he needs to start getting some decent crosses in for Burke and Lovenkrands.

Pena deals well with Ferguson's chipped pass over the top towards Boyd.

Rangers are starting to get themselves together now as they press for this second goal; they need to gather themselves for one final rally.

Ferguson pumps a ball over the top for Lovenkrands to chase, but Gonzalo comes across to make a strong challenge.

Burke wastes the chance to send over a quality cross from the right; Burke was unmarked in the middle, but his cross was over-hit.

Senna handles as Ferguson attempts to get past him on the half-way line. The Rangers skipper is leading by example; really trying to drive his side on.

Ferguson sends the ball out to the left for Lovenkrands, who had pulled out in to the channel, but his pass is a little too high for the Dane. Throw to the home side.

Franco takes a blow to the back of the head, but is soon back on his feet. He has made a real impact since he was brought on at half-time.

Villarreal have been passing the ball far better since half-time; they look like the quality side we know they are, and Rangers are struggling a bit here.

FREE HEADER! Franco finds more space inside the penalty area as he is picked out by a cross from the right, but he plants his header straight at Waterreus.

Rangers have really been unable to get in to the game in the second half; they aren't being able to play with the same amount of freedom as they did in the first period.

SAVE! Waterreus makes a good save after Forlan puts in Franco; he's kept his side in the game there. Great effort from the Rangers keeper.

RANGERS SUB: Buffel is replaced by Boyd; it's an attacking change from Rangers, and he'll go up front to support Lovenkrands.

Boyd, currently the leading scorer in Scottish football, is stripping down; he'll be sent on in a few moments, I think.

Burke hasn't been able to have the same impact on the game as he did in the first leg, when he ran Arruabarrena ragged.

Buffel seems to be struggling with a hamstring injury; I don't think it will be long before we see a change from the away side.

Pellegrini looks very calm on the sidelines; he has been out of his dugout for most of the match, but doesn't seem the sort to jump and shout at his players; he's a cool character.

Still no goals in the other tie involving a British club this evening; 0-0 at the Nou Camp.

Villarreal have already had a hand in eliminating two English sides from the competition this year; will Rangers be added to the scalps of Everton and Manchester United?

Rangers need to be very careful as they search for this crucial second goal; Villarreal are an excellent counter-attacking side and will test the Gers' back four more and more as the game goes on.

Ferguson has played very well for Rangers this evening; he has been all over the pitch and has been at the heart of most of the visitors' attacking moves.

Burke pulls down Riquelme as they challenged for a bouncing ball. Free-kick to the home side.

This game is becoming increasingly ill-tempered; the yellow card for Tacchinardi a few moments ago means there have now been seven bookings. I really wouldn't be surprised to see someone sent off later in the game.

CHANCE! Kyrgiakos finds the ball at his feet at the back post after Ferguson's set-piece isn't cleared, but the big Greek defender can only slash over the crossbar.

Rangers win a free-kick when Tacchinardi tackles late from behind on Buffel. Booking for the Italian midfielder.

Viera is booked for getting involved in a minor scuffle with Namouchi.

Buffel shows good determination to hunt down Arruabarenna and block his attempted clearance.

The goal has really lifted the home fans; they are raising the roof here after being largely out-sang by the Rangers fans in the first half.

Not the start that Rangers wanted; they HAVE to score a second goal now, as Villarreal are ahead on the away goals rule as things stand.

GOAL! Villarreal level; Forlan gets to the by-line and pulls back a low cross, where Arruaberrena slides home from six yards out.

Rangers do need to be aware of the referee; he blows at the slightest of contact, and in Riquelme the home side have a very dangerous player of set-pieces.

If Rangers show the same composure as they did in the first half, they could even get a second goal sometime in this second period; they looked dangerous at times.

Franco has come on to make only his second-ever Villarreal appearance; he will add another attacking option for the home side.

This is a massive 45 minutes for Rangers; what an achievement it would be to make the Champions League quarter-finals...

VILLARREAL SUBS: Franco and Font replace Jose Mari and Venta.

HALF-TIME: Good performance from Rangers, and Lovenkrands' early strike means they just have to keep out the home side for 45 more minutes to progress to the quarter-finals.

Even though the home side have come back in to the match, they have really only had one chance to speak of; Rangers have defended really well.

Kyrgiakos makes a good challenge on Jose Mari as the tricky midfielder cut in from the right wing.

Rangers got a real let-off there; Forlan was through on goal with just the keeper to beat, and really should have done better.

SAVE! Waterreus saves with his feet as Forlan tried to place a right-foot shot past him. Good goalkeeping.

...Forlan is through on goal after being fed by Jose Mari...

Ferguson slides the ball in to Buffel on the edge of the box, but his dummy is easily read and Villarreal break...

Josico is booked for a cynical challenge on Hutton. Another Rangers free-kick, and the chance to deliver a good ball in to the box...

Senna is penalised for a high boot as he challenged with Hutton on the left wing. The free-kick is curled in to the penalty area, but a yellow shirt clears.

The home fans are furious when Josico goes down under a challenge from Ferguson, and Rangers refuse to put the ball out of play.

Riquelme wins another free-kick. He sends a cross in to the near post from the right, but Forlan's header flies high over the bar. Tough chance.

Burke sends over a cross from the right, but it is over the head of Lovenkrands and Villarreal are able to clear. It has been a good couple of minutes for the visitors.

Rangers haven't actually won a Champions League match since the opening match of the Group Stage; they have racked up five successive draws.

Rangers are working very hard to close down the Villarreal defence when they have the ball; they are showing a lot of spirit and heart here.

The referee's fussiness is playing in to Rangers' hands; Villarreal haven't really been able to get in to their stride because of the stop-start nature of the game.

Riquelme is winning a lot of free-kicks from the referee, who is stopping play every minute for soft fouls.

Jose Mari almost closes down Waterreus' clearance; a moment of panic for Rangers.

Viera makes a strange decision to come out of his area as Lovenkrands chases down a ball in to the right channel, but he manages to get back in his goal before Rangers can get a shot away.

Hemdani goes down close to the half-way line, although he is soon up on his feet after the referee stops play for the injury. Another few moments wasted, but it's a dangerous game Rangers are playing.

Villarreal have come in to the game a little more in the last few minutes; they are starting to get a lot more of the ball, although they still haven't tested Waterreus as yet.

Buffel is the man that McLeish has asked to get forward to support Lovenkrands, and he is looking to link the play as much as he can.

Even at this early stage, Rangers are taking every chance to waste a little time, and it is infuriating the home fans.

The home side were overwhelming favourites to make it through to the last eight, especially after the result in the first leg, but Rangers have given themselves a fantastic chance to progress.

Rodriguez has been impressive at the back so far for the Scottish side; he is dealing with everything with relative ease.

Hutton is then booked for impeding Arruabarrena as the full-back attempted to take a quick free-kick.

Arruabarrena is booked for holding back Burke as the youngster tried to pass him down the right wing.

Rodriguez makes an important interception as Senna attempts to slide a through ball to the advancing Jose Mari.

This will be quite a test for the younger Rangers players, but they have a lot of support in the crowd and are coping well at the moment.

Senna hoists the ball in to the box for Forlan to chase, but Waterreus allows it to bounce behind for a goal-kick.

Villarreal really haven't come to life yet; they are usually such a good passing side, but they haven't fired at all.

Riquelme is brought down by Hutton on the half-way line. He is slightly fortunate to escape a booking.

Riquelme bends a free-kick in to the penalty area, but the referee spots a push by Gonazlo. Free-kick to the visitors.

Murray is booked for a sliding challenge on Senna, out on the right wing.

Murray makes an important challenge in the penalty area as Riquelme advances towards him with the ball.

Buffel goes down inside the penalty area, under a challenge from Pena; the referee isn't too impressed.

News from this evening's other matches; Werder Bremen have taken an early lead in their match against Juventus, while it is still goalless at the Nou Camp.

It was a shocking mistake from Viera in the lead up to Rangers' opening goal; he really should have collected the loose ball in the area.

Riquelme bends a free-kick in to the crowded penalty area, but Waterreus claims comfortably.

It is pretty rare that Rangers keep a clean sheet these days, but they know that if they can hang on for another eighty minutes, they will make history. It is all set up beautifully.

What a start for the Scottish side; they couldn't have dreamt of a better start. That goal will really bring Villarreal out of their shell.

GOAL! Rangers take an early lead as Lovenkrands pounces on a poor piece of handling from Viera to slot in to an empty net from six yards out.

Villarreal's passing hasn't been up to their usual standards so far this evening; they are giving the ball away far too easily.

Of course, Villarreal are in the driving seat in this tie after scoring two away goals in the first leg; Rangers simply HAVE to score.

Villarreal have barely had any of the ball in the opening ten minutes; Rangers have started really brightly.

Ferguson chips a good ball over the full back for Burke, but his cross goes out of play.

SAVE! Viera makes a good save as a nice passing move works the ball to Lovenkrands, who fires in a low shot from the edge of the area. Corner.

Rangers have made a positive start; they have had much more of the ball, but are struggling to get bodies forward.

Villarreal have kept clean sheets in 23 of 27 European ties inside this stadium; that is the size of the clash facing Alex McLeish's men.

Lovenkrands does well to send a cross over from the left, but there is no-one at all in the box; that will be one of the problems of playing with only one man up front.

Burke was excellent in the first leg of this tie; Rangers will be looking to get the ball out to the right to him as often as they can.

Namouchi shoots from distance, but he doesn't work Viera in the home goal.

Rangers have chosen not to man-mark the danger-man Riquelme, so the communication needs to be good and the Gers midfield needs to keep an eye on him.

Rangers will need a good defensive displa this evening, as Villarreal are particularly good at home.

There are a lot of Rangers fans inside the ground; it must feel more like a home game to the players.

Rangers kick off on a mild, dry evening in eastern Spain.

Rangers head into their Champions League game against Villarreal knowing they have the chance to become the first Scottish club to book a place in the quarter-finals.

Pena deals well with Ferguson's chipped pass over the top towards Boyd.

Rangers are starting to get themselves together now as they press for this second goal; they need to gather themselves for one final rally.

Ferguson pumps a ball over the top for Lovenkrands to chase, but Gonzalo comes across to make a strong challenge.

Burke wastes the chance to send over a quality cross from the right; Burke was unmarked in the middle, but his cross was over-hit.

Senna handles as Ferguson attempts to get past him on the half-way line. The Rangers skipper is leading by example; really trying to drive his side on.

Ferguson sends the ball out to the left for Lovenkrands, who had pulled out in to the channel, but his pass is a little too high for the Dane. Throw to the home side.

Franco takes a blow to the back of the head, but is soon back on his feet. He has made a real impact since he was brought on at half-time.

Villarreal have been passing the ball far better since half-time; they look like the quality side we know they are, and Rangers are struggling a bit here.

FREE HEADER! Franco finds more space inside the penalty area as he is picked out by a cross from the right, but he plants his header straight at Waterreus.

Rangers have really been unable to get in to the game in the second half; they aren't being able to play with the same amount of freedom as they did in the first period.

SAVE! Waterreus makes a good save after Forlan puts in Franco; he's kept his side in the game there. Great effort from the Rangers keeper.

RANGERS SUB: Buffel is replaced by Boyd; it's an attacking change from Rangers, and he'll go up front to support Lovenkrands.

Boyd, currently the leading scorer in Scottish football, is stripping down; he'll be sent on in a few moments, I think.

Burke hasn't been able to have the same impact on the game as he did in the first leg, when he ran Arruabarrena ragged.

Buffel seems to be struggling with a hamstring injury; I don't think it will be long before we see a change from the away side.

Pellegrini looks very calm on the sidelines; he has been out of his dugout for most of the match, but doesn't seem the sort to jump and shout at his players; he's a cool character.

Still no goals in the other tie involving a British club this evening; 0-0 at the Nou Camp.

Villarreal have already had a hand in eliminating two English sides from the competition this year; will Rangers be added to the scalps of Everton and Manchester United?

Rangers need to be very careful as they search for this crucial second goal; Villarreal are an excellent counter-attacking side and will test the Gers' back four more and more as the game goes on.

Ferguson has played very well for Rangers this evening; he has been all over the pitch and has been at the heart of most of the visitors' attacking moves.

Burke pulls down Riquelme as they challenged for a bouncing ball. Free-kick to the home side.

This game is becoming increasingly ill-tempered; the yellow card for Tacchinardi a few moments ago means there have now been seven bookings. I really wouldn't be surprised to see someone sent off later in the game.

CHANCE! Kyrgiakos finds the ball at his feet at the back post after Ferguson's set-piece isn't cleared, but the big Greek defender can only slash over the crossbar.

Rangers win a free-kick when Tacchinardi tackles late from behind on Buffel. Booking for the Italian midfielder.

Viera is booked for getting involved in a minor scuffle with Namouchi.

Buffel shows good determination to hunt down Arruabarenna and block his attempted clearance.

The goal has really lifted the home fans; they are raising the roof here after being largely out-sang by the Rangers fans in the first half.

Not the start that Rangers wanted; they HAVE to score a second goal now, as Villarreal are ahead on the away goals rule as things stand.

GOAL! Villarreal level; Forlan gets to the by-line and pulls back a low cross, where Arruaberrena slides home from six yards out.

Rangers do need to be aware of the referee; he blows at the slightest of contact, and in Riquelme the home side have a very dangerous player of set-pieces.

If Rangers show the same composure as they did in the first half, they could even get a second goal sometime in this second period; they looked dangerous at times.

Franco has come on to make only his second-ever Villarreal appearance; he will add another attacking option for the home side.

This is a massive 45 minutes for Rangers; what an achievement it would be to make the Champions League quarter-finals...

VILLARREAL SUBS: Franco and Font replace Jose Mari and Venta.

HALF-TIME: Good performance from Rangers, and Lovenkrands' early strike means they just have to keep out the home side for 45 more minutes to progress to the quarter-finals.

Even though the home side have come back in to the match, they have really only had one chance to speak of; Rangers have defended really well.

Kyrgiakos makes a good challenge on Jose Mari as the tricky midfielder cut in from the right wing.

Rangers got a real let-off there; Forlan was through on goal with just the keeper to beat, and really should have done better.

SAVE! Waterreus saves with his feet as Forlan tried to place a right-foot shot past him. Good goalkeeping.

...Forlan is through on goal after being fed by Jose Mari...

Ferguson slides the ball in to Buffel on the edge of the box, but his dummy is easily read and Villarreal break...

Josico is booked for a cynical challenge on Hutton. Another Rangers free-kick, and the chance to deliver a good ball in to the box...

Senna is penalised for a high boot as he challenged with Hutton on the left wing. The free-kick is curled in to the penalty area, but a yellow shirt clears.

The home fans are furious when Josico goes down under a challenge from Ferguson, and Rangers refuse to put the ball out of play.

Riquelme wins another free-kick. He sends a cross in to the near post from the right, but Forlan's header flies high over the bar. Tough chance.

Burke sends over a cross from the right, but it is over the head of Lovenkrands and Villarreal are able to clear. It has been a good couple of minutes for the visitors.

Rangers haven't actually won a Champions League match since the opening match of the Group Stage; they have racked up five successive draws.

Rangers are working very hard to close down the Villarreal defence when they have the ball; they are showing a lot of spirit and heart here.

The referee's fussiness is playing in to Rangers' hands; Villarreal haven't really been able to get in to their stride because of the stop-start nature of the game.

Riquelme is winning a lot of free-kicks from the referee, who is stopping play every minute for soft fouls.

Jose Mari almost closes down Waterreus' clearance; a moment of panic for Rangers.

Viera makes a strange decision to come out of his area as Lovenkrands chases down a ball in to the right channel, but he manages to get back in his goal before Rangers can get a shot away.

Hemdani goes down close to the half-way line, although he is soon up on his feet after the referee stops play for the injury. Another few moments wasted, but it's a dangerous game Rangers are playing.

Villarreal have come in to the game a little more in the last few minutes; they are starting to get a lot more of the ball, although they still haven't tested Waterreus as yet.

Buffel is the man that McLeish has asked to get forward to support Lovenkrands, and he is looking to link the play as much as he can.

Even at this early stage, Rangers are taking every chance to waste a little time, and it is infuriating the home fans.

The home side were overwhelming favourites to make it through to the last eight, especially after the result in the first leg, but Rangers have given themselves a fantastic chance to progress.

Rodriguez has been impressive at the back so far for the Scottish side; he is dealing with everything with relative ease.

Hutton is then booked for impeding Arruabarrena as the full-back attempted to take a quick free-kick.

Arruabarrena is booked for holding back Burke as the youngster tried to pass him down the right wing.

Rodriguez makes an important interception as Senna attempts to slide a through ball to the advancing Jose Mari.

This will be quite a test for the younger Rangers players, but they have a lot of support in the crowd and are coping well at the moment.

Senna hoists the ball in to the box for Forlan to chase, but Waterreus allows it to bounce behind for a goal-kick.

Villarreal really haven't come to life yet; they are usually such a good passing side, but they haven't fired at all.

Riquelme is brought down by Hutton on the half-way line. He is slightly fortunate to escape a booking.

Riquelme bends a free-kick in to the penalty area, but the referee spots a push by Gonazlo. Free-kick to the visitors.

Murray is booked for a sliding challenge on Senna, out on the right wing.

Murray makes an important challenge in the penalty area as Riquelme advances towards him with the ball.

Buffel goes down inside the penalty area, under a challenge from Pena; the referee isn't too impressed.

News from this evening's other matches; Werder Bremen have taken an early lead in their match against Juventus, while it is still goalless at the Nou Camp.

It was a shocking mistake from Viera in the lead up to Rangers' opening goal; he really should have collected the loose ball in the area.

Riquelme bends a free-kick in to the crowded penalty area, but Waterreus claims comfortably.

It is pretty rare that Rangers keep a clean sheet these days, but they know that if they can hang on for another eighty minutes, they will make history. It is all set up beautifully.

What a start for the Scottish side; they couldn't have dreamt of a better start. That goal will really bring Villarreal out of their shell.

GOAL! Rangers take an early lead as Lovenkrands pounces on a poor piece of handling from Viera to slot in to an empty net from six yards out.

Villarreal's passing hasn't been up to their usual standards so far this evening; they are giving the ball away far too easily.

Of course, Villarreal are in the driving seat in this tie after scoring two away goals in the first leg; Rangers simply HAVE to score.

Villarreal have barely had any of the ball in the opening ten minutes; Rangers have started really brightly.

Ferguson chips a good ball over the full back for Burke, but his cross goes out of play.

SAVE! Viera makes a good save as a nice passing move works the ball to Lovenkrands, who fires in a low shot from the edge of the area. Corner.

Rangers have made a positive start; they have had much more of the ball, but are struggling to get bodies forward.

Villarreal have kept clean sheets in 23 of 27 European ties inside this stadium; that is the size of the clash facing Alex McLeish's men.

Lovenkrands does well to send a cross over from the left, but there is no-one at all in the box; that will be one of the problems of playing with only one man up front.

Burke was excellent in the first leg of this tie; Rangers will be looking to get the ball out to the right to him as often as they can.

Namouchi shoots from distance, but he doesn't work Viera in the home goal.

Rangers have chosen not to man-mark the danger-man Riquelme, so the communication needs to be good and the Gers midfield needs to keep an eye on him.

Rangers will need a good defensive displa this evening, as Villarreal are particularly good at home.

There are a lot of Rangers fans inside the ground; it must feel more like a home game to the players.

Rangers kick off on a mild, dry evening in eastern Spain.

Rangers head into their Champions League game against Villarreal knowing they have the chance to become the first Scottish club to book a place in the quarter-finals.