Lots of jaws dropped after slightly unknown side of Zenit of Saint Petersburg crashed the powerful Bayern Munich with a resounding 4-0 n the second leg of the UEFA Cup semifinals. The Russians then secured their spot in the final with a 5-1 aggregate score.

I watched that match and I have to tell you all that I was shocked. Zenit in any moment lost their calm. They controlled the game and displayed a very disciplined football in defense and great speed and technique in counter attack.

They count on the goals of 24-year old Pavel Pogrebnyak. He already scored 10 goals in this edition of the tournament and has by his side the fast and skilled Argentine forward Alejandro Domínguez.

Zenit's Dutch coach Dick Advocaat completes this successful formula. From 1998 to 2002 Advocaat was in charge of Rangers FC and knowing the Scottish club's behind the scenes may be an advantage when putting his team on the pitch.

To get to the final in Manchester, Zenit had to eliminate Spartak Moscow (RUS), Olimpique Marseille (FRA), Bayer Leverkusen (GER) and Bayern Munich (GER).

Could they also beat the Scottish?

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If Zenit will try to repeat the achievement of CSKA Moscow in 2005 and bring the UEFA Cup to Russia again the Rangers expect not to make the same mistakes as the other two Scottish teams that lost in the final. It happened to Celtic in 2003 and to Dundee United back in 1987.

Rangers entered the 2007-2008 UEFA Cup direct to the round of 32 knock out round after their elimination in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.

The team could be seen as favourites for this final against the Russians due to their good position in the Scottish Premier League table, their tradition and the match will be in the UK. The Blues' fans will certainly pack the stadium and the streets of Manchester to support their team to win their first continental title.

I just think it won't be easy at all.

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SNAPSHOT:

Who: FC Zenit (RUS) vs. Rangers FC (SCO)

What: UEFA Cup Final

When: Wednesday, May 14^th, 2008 - 8:45pm (UK Time)

Where: City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, England

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