Bayern, Zenit reach UEFA Cup semis

Published April 12, 2008

LONDON, April 11: Striker Luca Toni scored twice late in extra time against Getafe on Thursday to spare Bayern Munich’s blushes and send the four-time European champions into a UEFA Cup semi-final with Zenit St Petersburg.

The Italian’s double strike put favourites Bayern through on away goals after a thrilling 3-3 draw (4-4 on aggregate) in Spain against a Getafe side who, despite the early dismissal of defender Ruben De la Red, had looked on course to continue a fine first season in European competition.

Bayern now take on Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg, the only team left in the competition never to have won a major European trophy.

Zenit eased through 4-2 on aggregate against Bayer Leverkusen, despite losing their home leg 1-0 on Thursday.

Prolific Romania striker Adrian Mutu sent Fiorentina, the losing finalists in 1990, into a last four meeting with Rangers after his double strike sealed a 2-0 away win at PSV Eindhoven for a 3-1 aggregate success.

Rangers won 2-0 in Lisbon against Sporting after a goalless first leg in Glasgow.

Results (second leg quarter-finals):

Zenit St Petersburg 0 Bayer Leverkusen 1

Sporting 0 Rangers 2

Getafe 3 Bayern Munich 3

PSV Eindhoven 0 Fiorentina 2.—Reuters

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