Although FC Barcelona clearly dominated the match against Rangers, Coach Walter Smith believes his boys gave out their best.



Sometimes, one's best may not be good enough. The men from Scotland fought bravely but could not sustain the fire-power from the attack- conscious Barca squad. Glasgow Rangers crashed 2-0 in Camp Nou last night and Walter Smith, the coach of the Scottish side, rues the loss but does not regret the performance of his players. Smith praises the Rangers squad and also rejoices in the fact that he believes his team are through to the Champions League next round along with the league leaders Barca, even though Rangers are just a point behind third placed Olympique Lyon in Group E:

We had a little bit of a bad start, giving away the early goal, and after that it was always going to be difficult. It was a tough night for us, I can't fault my players because they all tried very hard. As I said, you look first and foremost at yourself, and we did not defend well. I can't criticize my players because we worked very hard, as we have throughout in this competition. Tonight we were playing against one of the favourites to win the trophy itself, and I have no complaints.

Glasgow Rangers and Lyon will play the final match of the group at Ibrox, Rangers home ground. Before then, Lyon have a home match against FC Barcelona while Rangers travel away to face VfB Stuttgart.


Rangers are still second, a point ahead of Lyon, whom they will face on the final day in what will be a key clash.