Novo goal rescues Rangers

Nacho Novo's late strike earned Rangers a place in the last 16 of the Uefa Cup thanks to a away goals victory over Panathinaikos.

Novo strike earns Gers famous win

Nacho Novo's late strike earned Rangers a place in the last 16 of the Uefa Cup thanks to a dramatic away goals victory over Panathinaikos. Novo pounced on a loose ball nine minutes from time to fire a precious away goal past goalkeeper Mario Galinovic to secure a famous win. Defender Ioannis Goumas had earlier given the Greek giants the lead with a spectacular 30-yard strike. But Walter Smith's team, despite playing second fiddle for long periods, never gave up and were rewarded with a vital away goal to secure a tie against Werder Bremen in the next round. The match began at a frantic tempo and it was Rangers who registered the first effort on goal when Boyd fired a pot shot from the edge of the penalty area just wide of the right post following a slip by Goumas.

Backfoot

The visitors were forced on the backfoot shortly afterwards when Sasa Papac brought down Georgios Karagounis to concede a free-kick in a dangerous right-wing position. Ivanschitz drew a fine save from Allan McGregor with a stinging shot and Marcelos Mattos' shot was blocked as several Rangers players closed in. The ball was not cleared though and Rangers found themselves a goal behind after 12 minutes courtesy of a superb effort from Goumas. The visitors were living dangerously again in the 34th minute when Postiga looked to be one-on-one with McGregor but defender David Weir recovered to block the Portuguese's shot with a superb last-ditch tackle. Rangers almost got the goal they so desperately needed two minutes before the break through Novo, who was denied by a smart save by home keeper Mario Galinovic.

Tumbling

Boyd was denied a good penalty shout a minute later when he went tumbling under Nasief Morris' challenge but German referee Felix Brych waved away the appeals. Panathinaikos continued to look comfortable while Rangers continually struggled to build any attacking momentum. With a goal desperately needed Smith brought on striker Steven Naismith for left-back Papac and Christian Dailly replaced Adam after 65 minutes.

Threaten

But the hosts continued to threaten and McGregor was called on again minutes later to tip Loukas Vyntra's shot round the left post. Just when it seemed Gers were dead and buried though, Novo struck. Ferguson picked out Burke with a raking crossfield pass and the substitute sent over a dangerous low cross. The ball bounced off the unfortunate Morris and landed at the feet of Novo - who slotted home to send the pocket of 800 Rangers fans into frenzied celebrations.

Panathinaikos	Team Statistics	Rangers
1	Goals	1
1	1st Half Goals	0
5	Shots on Target	4
12	Shots off Target	3
2	Blocked Shots	1
5	Corners	3
9	Fouls	25
4	Offsides	2
0	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	0
74.9	Passing Success	74.7
20	Tackles	24
70	Tackles Success	83.3
52	Possession	48
47.3	Territorial Advantage	52.7