Gers out of Europe

Rangers crashed out of the Champions League without even the consolation of parachuting into the Europa League as their campaign ended with a 2-0 home defeat to Stuttgart.

Goals from Sebastian Rudy and Zdravko Kuzmanovic earned Stuttgart victory at Ibrox and ended any hope the Scottish champions had of European football after Christmas.

Poor home form - Rangers have lost all three games in Glasgow and shipped 10 goals in the process - means their final match in Sevilla early next month will be about nothing more than restoring some pride and seeking a consolation win in the tournament.

In the seventh minute Allan McGregor threw himself to his left to push a decent drive from Stuttgart's German international striker, Cacau, past the post.

The opening goal for the visitors, though, was not far off. Aleksandr Hleb drifted past Steven Whittaker inside the box and cut the ball back to striker Pavel Pogrebnyak who missed his shot but Rudy, perfectly positioned behind him, was not so wasteful.

The home fans were in immediate uproar and moments later there was almost cause for more despair when a free-kick by Kuzmanovic went in off the post but skipper Mathieu Delpierre was ruled offside.

As the Light Blues fought back, with most of the emphasis on the fight, Kris Boyd missed a sitter, heading over from 10 yards after Kenny Miller dropped a cross on to his head.

The first half ended with the Rangers fans still hopeful but the start to the second half was more subdued, both on and off the pitch.

Stuttgart remained on top, probing at the heart of the Ibrox defence as the home side huffed and puffed to garner possession.

There was no surprise though, when, just before the hour mark, Kuzmanovic headed in number two from Rudy's cross.