Rangers head into the game against Sevilla looking to restore some pride after a poor Champions League campaign

sevilla[1]Sevilla coach Manuel Jimenez is pleased to see that his players were willing to battle though the pain barrier ahead of tonight's final Champions League game with Rangers and insisted he had every confidence his team will win their group. The Spaniards need at least a draw against Rangers champions in Spain to ensure they top Group G. Jimenez said: "First place in the group seemed close when we won the first three matches. But we have lost our way in the group in the last two matches. But I am confident that tomorrow we will finish first in the group by winning the match. I'd also like to express my thanks to the players who have pretty much been playing unchanged for the last month, with some of them carrying knocks." Jimenez has lost the services of Brazil striker Luis Fabiano, who has been ruled out for three weeks with a foot injury picked up at the weekend. But Jimenez insists he has other others who can step in. He said: "I have no doubts about the ability of Negredo, Kanoute or Renato to score goals. Recently, we were lauded as having the best forward line in Spain; we are still creating chances. I'm sure we will start scoring goals soon."

rangers jpegFive European games and only two points to show for their efforts means that Rangers head into the game without even a Europa League place as a safety net. However, manager Walter Smith says his team are determined to end what has been a disappointing campaign on a high by earning their first win of the season in Europe's premier club competition. He said: "It's a matter of pride now. We haven't played well enough in the section to be involved in the final game now and it's just a matter of us trying to salvage a little pride." Of course, additional points means additional cash from their participation in the competition. Smith added: "It's (money) obviously a factor for anyone in any occasion. But the main thing for us that we try to acquit ourselves in a better manner than we have done, especially in the home game at Ibrox." Rangers played well for a large spell against the Spaniards in Glasgow before a second-half collapse saw them slump to a demoralising 4-1 defeat. Looking back the Rangers manager said: "For an hour of the game, we played very well. After Sevilla scored the first goal, we had to chase the game and that left us open and eventually we lost quite heavily. We would hope with the situation we are in just now we wouldn't be losing early goals and having to chase the game away from home. We would like to think we could keep the game tight and make sure the scoreline is different one from the one we had at Ibrox."

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