Walter Smith's men had endured an epic journey which saw them play no fewer than 18 European games to come this far only to fall at the final hurdle at the hands of the Russian champions.

Goals from Igor Denisov and Konstantin Zyrianov proved to be the difference between the two sides, with Dick Advocaat triumphing over his former club who had hoped to claim an historic quadruple this season but must now focus on completing a domestic treble.

Despite the official allocation being far less, around 30,000 Rangers fans managed to find their way inside the City of Manchester Stadium with around 100,000 more in fan zones around the city and a packed-out beamback party taking place back at Ibrox.

Rangers were forced to soak up the pressure early on when Zenit's star man Andrei Arshavin was released through on goal, only to pull his shot wide of the upright and ripple the side-netting.

With Rangers doing little to trouble Vyacheslav Malafeev in the Zenit goal, the Russians were doing all the pressing and Zyrianov screwed wide of the near post after being set up for the shot by Roman Shirokov.

Rangers had a penalty shout dismissed shortly after the restart. Jean-Claude Darcheville threatened first of all at the near post and was denied by Malafeev before Barry Ferguson claimed his rebound shot in front of goal was handled by Denisov.

When the breakthrough finally came after 72 minutes Arshavin was instrumental in the opening goal, playing a one-two with Denisov who raced into the box before slotting home from eight yards, leaving Neil Alexander with no chance.

With time rapidly running out, Rangers' last throw of the dice came in the shape of substitute Kris Boyd but it was Darcheville and Nacho Novo who both squandered late chances to force the game into extra-time.

As they reflected on big misses, Zyrianov put the ball in the back of the net from close range to wrap up the win as Zenit claimed their first European trophy.