Rangers failed to make the breakthrough as the first leg of their UEFA Cup semi-final clash with Fiorentina ended 0-0 at Ibrox.A game of very few chances failed to spark into life as an injury-hit Gers side defended superbly against their technically superior opponents.

After a cagey opening it was the visitors who settled the better, with Martin Jorgensen blazing over from distance and Adrian Mutu warming the hands of Neil Alexander from 25 yards.

Jean-Claude Darcheville's burst forward came to nothing as Rangers finally showed some attacking intent but at the other end Jorgensen fired straight at Alexander.

Walter Smith's men upped a gear at the start of the second period, with Nacho Novo trying an audacious chip from 40 yards which just flew over - the Spaniard also screwing a shot wide from the edge of the area.

Mutu's curling free-kick from 30 yards forced Alexander into a smart stop with 14 minutes to go while substitute Christian Vieri saw a similar effort deflected over the bar.

Despite their best efforts the home side failed to find the breakthrough but will head to Florence next week still in with a good chance of reaching next month's final in Manchester.

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