Bocanegra scores

By FOS Editor
August 25 2011

All three Scottish sides were knocked out of Europe tonight ensuring there would be no sides in action after August never mind Christmas.

Celtic travelled to Sion inSwitzerlandknowing a score draw would be enough to see them advance to the group stages after a 0-0 draw atCelticParklast week. But they were given a mountain to climb in the early stages when they lost a goal and were reduced to ten men.

Majstorovic was shown a red card after a foul inside the box after only 45 seconds allowing Feinduono to do the business from the penalty spot.

Not long after half time the same player fired in a free kick which made it look as though the tie was over at this point. But a goal from Charlie Mulgrew gave them a chink of light knowing another goal would see them advance on away goals.

The Celtic revival was short-lived as Ki gifted the ball to Giovanni Sio, who raced away to coolly lift the ball over the advancing Fraser Forster, and seal Celtic’s fate and see them tumble out of Europe at the first attempt this season.

Rangers were looking to capitalise on their away goal from the first leg 1-2 defeat last week away toMaribor. While they huffed and puffed in the first half they barely troubled the visitor’s goal and were left looking for penalties in vain.

They were hit by a sucker punch midway through the second half when Mariborsnatched an away goal of their own to ensure Rangers had to score two. Mariborwent ahead when Dalibor Volas collected the ball on the edge of the box and coolly slotted into the far corner.

Bocanegra set up a grandstand finish when he scored from close range on his Ibrox debut. The game then should have gone to extra time when Healey was clean through but could only shoot straight at the keeper.

Rangers in the end showed no real quality in the final third to knock an average European side.

These two results combined with the thumping of Hearts will set up the annual discussion on the state of Scottish Football, let the debate begin.