Rangers break European spell as Barca held at Rubin
RANGERS striker Steven Naismith played the hero as Walter Smith’s men beat Bursaspor 1-0 at Ibrox to record their first Champions League victory in 14 attempts.
Naismith reacted first to poke home a clever volley in the 18th minute after Kirk Broadfoot had headed a Steven Whittaker cross back across the penalty box.
The win, which follows the opening 0-0 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford two weeks ago, leaves Rangers on four points from two games in Group C and with real hope of reaching the last 16. It is in stark contrast to last year’s campaign, in which they failed to claim a single point at home in the group stages, conceding 10 goals along the way.
Naismith and Kenny Miller both had chances to extend Rangers’ lead but they held on for a triumph that will give them much-needed confidence ahead of the looming double-header against Valencia.
Inter Milan, Tottenham’s rivals in Group A, enjoyed a thumping 4-0 home win over Werder Bremen, in which striker Samuel Eto’o scored a hat-trick.
Holland World Cup star Wesley Sneijder netted the other as the reigning champions put themselves top of the group on goal difference.
Last season’s runners-up Barcelona were forced to come from behind to avoid another shock defeat to Russians Rubin Kazan. Christian Noboa put the home side in front from the spot and David Villa equalised in similar fashion after Andres Iniesta had been felled.