John O'Shea and Park Ji-Sung both had good opportunities blocked in the box, while Zenit keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev did well to deny Rooney with the minutes ticking down.
Zenit goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev pulled off a fine save with his feet to block a low Darcheville drive as Rangers showed more adventure at the start of the second half.
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.