Midfielder Denisov broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute after playmaker Andrei Arshavin slipped the ball neatly through for him to calmly shoot past goalkeeper Neil Alexander and Zyrianov added their second goal in stoppage time.

Zenit created most of the chances at the City of Manchester stadium, with the Scottish side content to soak up pressure.

Rangers could have made more of a scramble in the box early in the second half after Zenit keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev fumbled a Jean-Claude Darcheville shot.

Rangers, appearing in their first European final since lifting the Cup Winners' Cup in 1972, desperately sought an equaliser but Zenit kept up the pressure and Zyrianov made sure of the victory by finishing a fine move from close range.

Manchester police clash with Rangers fans, Russian fan stabbed
Thirty people were arrested, including six Rangers supporters in the stabbing of a Russian soccer fan, for various offences connected with the Uefa Cup final between the Scottish club and Zenit St. Petersburg.

Manchester police blamed excessive alcohol consumption for 'isolated pockets of disorder' among thousands of Rangers fans at public screenings of the game.

The stabbing occurred outside the City of Manchester Stadium before the game. Police said he had non-life threatening injuries.

Police said the day was 'largely peaceful' despite several police officers and fans being injured during skirmishes.

An estimated 100,000 ticketless supporters mingled in the city before watching the match live on giant screens.

Violence broke out when one screen broke down 15 minutes before kickoff.

'As a result, a small number of supporters - who until that point had been largely well-behaved and had been enjoying the carnival atmosphere - became frustrated and started to pelt the screen with beer bottles,' Manchester Police said in a statement.

'A number of people were arrested during the disorder,' the statement said. 'A number of people, including police officers, were injured as officers brought the disorder under control.'

The police said the 'vast majority of supporters have behaved impeccably.'

It said there was no other trouble in other screenings in the downtown area.

Until the screen broke down, there had been eight arrests. -- REUTERS, AP