Attendance 6,569
The magnificent scenery and setting of the Aker
Stadion in Molde is amongst the most picturesque that
Rangers have ever played at, and indeed was the venue
for Dick Advocaat's very first game as Rangers'
Manager.
Ole Gunner Soljskaer, scorer of the winning goal at
Old Trafford last night, started his professional
career here.
Current Ibrox Boss Paul Le Guen made three changes for
his first European tie with Baerry Ferguson, Lee
Martin and Thomas Buffel replacing Jeremy Clement,
Chris Burke and Dado Prso.
It was the home side who made the early running with
Daniel Hestad testing Allan McGregor in five minutes
with a 25-yard shot that was beaten away - Stian Ohr
being inches away from connecting with the rebound.
Nine minutes later Magne Hoseth headed over from
Ohr's cross.
Rangers finally created an opening in 22 minutes -
Kris Boyd stabbing Buffel's cutback wide, but Molde
continued to look the likelier, Madiou Konate cutting
inside two minutes later after the ball broke to him,
McGregor holding his shot from the edge of the box.
Boyd was inches wide with a 27th minute header from
Steven Smith's cross - then nine minutes later Martin
cut inside from a Buffel pass only to shoot wide as
Rangers sought to retrieve what thus far had been a
disappointing display.
The Light Blues did however finish the half on top -
Libor Sionko's shot from a Martin cross being cleared
off the line by Matej Mavric.
After such a poor 45 minutes many expected Paul Le
Guen to ring the changes at the interval, but to
general surprise it was the same eleven who lined up
at the restart.
A Julien Rodriguez error in 49 minutes presented
Hoseth with a chance - McGregor blocking his effort.'
The Light Blue legions had been in good voice
throughout, and a rare touch of humour was introduced
six minutes later when home goalkeeper Jan Larsen
theatrically fell down when challenged by Sionko.
"Same old Larsen - always cheating" was the cry.
Rangers at last were beginning to impose themselves as
the hour-mark approached - Martin's turn and shot from
a Sionko cross being held by Larsen, then Sionko's
volley from a Ferguson pass was held by the Norwegian
goalkeeper at the second attempt.
Midway through the second-half Prso and Burke replaced
Sionko and Buffel - but within seconds Molde had a
loud penalty appeal turned down when Konate clashed
with Rodriguez.
Ferguson had been less than imposing - and it was no
surprise when he was replaced by Clement in 75
minutes.
McGregor had been outstanding in goal - and he
produced the save of the night in 82 minutes when Ohr
cut inside before unleashing a 25-yard drive that was
touched over.
Sixty seconds later Marcus Andreasson's header from
Ohr's cross was inches wide.
The night ended goalless, and afterwards Le Guen
summarised:
"I am not satisfied - I hoped to win. It's not a bad
result. We had chances, and are still favourites. We
were right not to be over-confident. Tonight's changes
were influenced by the fixture list. Molde are a good
team with a good balance - better than a few weeks
ago."
Molde Coach Arild Stavrum reflected:
"We could have won. We created a few chances. I am
disappointed with the result. We can score at Ibrox
and get a result. Rangers are still favourites, but we
have a possibilty."
MOLDE Larsen; Mavric, Kallio, Andreasson, Rindaroy
(Strande 71): Ohr, Rudi, Grande, Hestad; Konate (Diouf
82), Hoseth
UNUSED SUBS Lillebakk, Gjerde, Moster, Habib
RANGERS McGregor; Bardsley, Svensson, Rodriguez,
Smith; Sionko (Prso 65), Ferguson (Clement 75),
Hemdani, Martin; Buffel (Burke 67), Boyd
UNUSED SUBS Robinson, Hutton, Sebo, Adam
REFEREE Jacek Granat (Poland)