But the breakthrough was supplied when Denisov at last broke through the centre of the Rangers defence after 72 minutes.

BBC: Zenit St Petersburg 2-0 Rangers

But Igor Denisov played a one-two with Andrei Arshavin before firing home and Konstatin Zyryanov side-footed in to secure Zenit's first European trophy.

BBC: Zenit St Petersburg 2-0 Rangers

The trophy was effectively settled 18 minutes from time, when midfielder Igor Denisov combined smoothly with playmaker Andrei Arshavin before slotting home Zenit's opening goal.

CNN: Rangers heartache as Zenit win UEFA Cup

Darcheville threatened first of all at the near post and was denied by Malafeev before captain Barry Ferguson claimed his rebound shot in front of goal was handled by Denisov.

CNN: Rangers heartache as Zenit win UEFA Cup

When the breakthrough came after 72 minutes, Arshavin was instrumental in the opening goal, playing a one-two with Denisov who raced into the box before slotting home from six meters out, leaving Alexander with no chance.

CNN: Rangers heartache as Zenit win UEFA Cup

Steven Whittaker's header over the crossbar from Steven Davis' cross failed to worry the Zenit goalkeeper before striker Jean-Claude Darcheville was tripped by Denisov and Rangers were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area.

CNN: Rangers heartache as Zenit win UEFA Cup

The only avant-garde composer in a department still notorious for its conservatism (the famous troika of Denisov, Schnittke and Gubaidulina were personae non gratae during the Soviet period), Mr Tarnopolsky has been professor of composition since 1992.

ECONOMIST: Modern music in Moscow

And minutes after Ivica Krizanac had forced Edwin van der Sar into an instinctive save from close range, Zenit's pressure finally told when Pogrebnyak forced the ball over the line after Igor Denisov had flicked on Dominguez's corner seconds before half-time.

BBC: Man Utd 1-2 Zenit St Petersburg