Rangers' hopes of reaching their first European final in 36 years remain alive despite a dreary goalless draw against Fiorentina in the first leg of their UEFA Cup semi-final clash at Ibrox.

The visitors controlled the first half and a powerful run from the halfway line by Jean-Claude Darcheville - which came to nothing - was all the Light Blues had to show for their effort.

The Ibrox side improved after the break without troubling Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey but travel to Florence next week knowing one goal could be enough to take them through to the final in Manchester next month.

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