Rangers were denied a first win in the Champions League as a late equaliser from Unirea Urziceni earned the hosts a 1-1 draw in Bucharest.

A 4-1 defeat to the Romanian champions at Ibrox a fortnight ago meant the Gers headed into the Group G game knowing defeat would spell the end of their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.

Lee McCulloch thought he had secured the win with a superb strike with just 11 minutes to go but Unirea hit back to claim a point when substitute Marius Onofras grabbed a last-gasp leveller.

Fine work from both keepers ensured it was honours even at the break.

Gledrius Arlauskis in the hosts' goal managed to block Kevin Thomson's drive from distance in the 26th minute, seconds before having to smother Steven Naismith's downward header.

It was Gers stopper Allan McGregor, however, who produced the best save of opening period, pulling off a superb one-handed block to beat away Sorin Frunza's shot following Decian Varga's cut-back just after the half-hour mark.

Kenny Miller was presented with a wonderful opportunity to put the Gers in front on the hour mark, but his sidefooted effort from inside the box was comfortably gathered by Arlauskis.

The Unirea keeper, however, failed to stop McCulloch putting Rangers in front with 12 minutes remaining.

There appeared little danger when the Gers untility-man picked up the ball 30 yards from from goal, but McCulloch advanced before unleashing a 25-yard drive that Arlauskis could only help into the net.

Danny Wilson made a superb clearance off the line to deny Marius Onofras's as the hosts sought an immediate way back into the game, but it took until two minutes from time for the equaliser to arrive, when Onofras rifled into the top corner of the net from distance as Rangers were forced to settle for a point.