Moscow, Russia (My Sportsbook) - Scottish side Rangers dropped the first leg of its third round Champions League qualifier Tuesday, 2-1, to Russian champion CSKA Moscow.
CSKA used an early goal in each half to inch closer to gaining entrance into the group phase of the Champions League competition.
Brazilian forward Vagner Love struck just four minutes into the game when he headed home a cross from Croatian international Ivica Olic.
Rangers new Spanish signing, Nacho Novo, then equalized 32 minutes later from about 10 yards out, giving his club a crucial away goal that could allow Rangers to advance with a 1-0 win in the second leg of the tie in Scotland.
In the second half, CSKA caught Rangers flat-footed once again just two minutes out of the locker room. Czech midfielder Jiri Jarosik netted the game- winner when he ran onto a throw-in, eluded two Ranger defenders and beat goalkeeper Stefan Klos.
"We're still in it at 2-1, there's no doubt about it," said Rangers coach Alex McLeish. "Our target was to keep the tie alive to take back to Ibrox and we've done that."
The second leg will take place Aug. 25 in Glasgow.
"I hope the return leg is a fantastic night for the club and that a full house at Ibrox can startle the Russians," said McLeish.
In other Champions League action from Tuesday, Steven Gerrard scored twice to lead Liverpool to a 2-0 victory at Austrian side Graz AK. The Reds played the match without star striker Michael Owen amid rumors that he could be headed to Spain to play with Real Madrid.
Italian club Juventus, meanwhile, earned a disappointing 2-2 tie at home against Djurgarden of Sweden. David Trezeguet and Emerson scored for the home side, which rallied from an early two-goal deficit to at least earn the draw.
Turkish side Trabzonspor also posted a surprising result on the road, a 2-1 win Tuesday over Ukrainian club Dynamo Kyiv. Maccabi Tel Aviv recorded a similar 2-1 road victory over Greek side PAOK in the first leg of its matchup.
Last season's Portuguese SuperLiga runner-up Benfica rounded out the day's action with a 1-0 win over Belgian club Anderlecht.
