Group C: Valencia 3 Rangers 0:RANGERS SUFFERED their first defeat in the Champions League this season as Roberto Soldado grabbed a double to hand Valencia victory at the Mestalla last night.

He netted on both sides of the interval, before Tino Costa sealed the win late on, as the Spaniards leapfrogged Rangers into second place in Group C. Steven Naismith hit the woodwork twice on a frustrating night for Walter Smith’s men.

Rangers were boosted by the news that Maurice Edu was passed fit for the match. The American was doubtful with a calf injury, but was able to start, while fellow injury doubt Vladimir Weiss failed to make the squad.

Juan Mata tried to test Allan McGregor in the opening couple of minutes as Valencia tried to make an early impression, but his shot from distance was weak and comfortably dealt with by the Rangers goalkeeper.

The midfielder had another go, trying to chip past McGregor, but he was able to tip just wide of his right-hand post.

But it was Rangers who could have taken the lead when Naismith embarked on a surging run down the left flank before cutting inside past Albelda and rifling a shot at goal that crashed off the post, with Edu’s rebound falling harmlessly off target. At the other end, Aritz Aduriz’s cut-back found Mata in plenty of space six yards out and his effort looked netbound until McGregor pulled off another block to parry the shot wide.

Valencia were threatening again when Aduriz threw himself in front of Mata’s free-kick only to see his header flash inches past the post. But McGregor was picking the ball out of the back of the net when the Spaniards surged into the lead after 33 minutes.

Mata’s corner was punched clear by the Rangers goalkeeper and, following a scramble in the box, the ball fell for Soldado who was able to fire home. Sasa Papac may have been able to block on the line, but McGregor got enough of a touch to take the ball past the full back.

Valencia looked dangerous after the restart and McGregor was called into action again to prevent Rangers from falling further behind. Mata was the provider with a cross for Aduriz who produced a firm header that would have found the back of the net had the Rangers goalkeeper not come to the rescue.

The Scots could have hauled themselves back into the match when Naismith went on another surging run before picking out Kenny Miller who unleashed a shot that was too easily dealt with by Cesar Sanchez.

Hopes of a Rangers comeback were dealt a blow when Soldado claimed his second after 70 minutes to put Valencia in the driving seat. McGregor managed to get a touch, but was unable to keep the striker’s powerful, low right-footed shot from hitting the target.

Miller then went to ground in the box, but there appeared to be little in the incident and German referee Felix Brych waved play on, before Naismith’s header hit the post.

It was Valencia who found the back of the net again with a minute to go when substitute Costa rattled a ferocious shot in off the post, before nestling in the bottom corner.

The only good news on a disappointing night for Rangers was Manchester United’s win over Bursaspor, leaving the Turks rooted to the bottom of the group without a single point and with Smith’s men on course to at least claim a Europa League berth.

VALENCIA:Cesar, Miguel, Navarro, Ricardo Costa, Mathieu, Joaquin (Pablo 84), Albelda, Banega (Costa 70), Mata, Soldado (Fernandes 77), Aduriz. Subs not used: Moya, Bruno, Topal, Jordi Alba. Booked: Albelda, Costa.

RANGERS:McGregor, Broadfoot, Weir, Bougherra, Papac, McCulloch, Whittaker, Davis, Edu (Lafferty 84), Naismith, Miller. Subs not used: Alexander, Fleck, Foster, Little, Wylde, Hutton.

Referee:Felix Brych (Germany).