Tottenham 1 Shakhtar Donetsk 1 (agg1-3):Giovani dos Santos's stunning strike against Shakhtar Donetsk was not enough to prevent Tottenham's second string from crashing out of the Uefa Cup. Harry Redknapp rested his first-team players ahead of the Carling Cup final against Manchester United on Sunday — but Giovani at least showed the Spurs boss he has options for Wembley.

The Mexico midfielder could have added another but Spurs failed to find the goal they needed to force extra-time, with Fernandinho grabbing a late goal to seal Shakhtar’s place in the last 16.

This clash was always the distraction before the important business of Wembley at the weekend, illustrated by tickets still being on sale on the day of the game.

Redknapp’s team selection also pointed to all focus being on facing United — not least by picking out-of-favour Giovani.

Gilberto was also selected for his first appearance since getting hauled off at half-time against Spartak Moscow earlier this season.

Only Wilson Palacios remained from the side that defeated Hull on Monday, while youth-team striker Jonathan Obika was given his first senior start — having only played one reserve match this season.

The 18-year-old enjoyed a promising full debut, shaving the post on the half-hour mark then stabbing just wide before the break as Spurs chased the tie.

Shakhtar’s preparations were hit by snow in Donetsk and, despite looking threatening when on the ball, they were also rattled when Spurs forced a way back into the game through Giovani.

Initially it looked like they were going to dominate as they did in the first leg. Jadson, helped by a fortunate ricochet off the referee, flashed a drive wide before crossing for fellow Brazilian Willian, who had a shot blocked as Spurs scrambled clear.

Shakhtar were unfortunate to be knocked out of the Champions League after getting a healthy return of nine points from their group — and they looked dangerous when they broke forward. Fernandinho’s shot in the 20th minute forced Heurelho Gomes into a low diving save.

Set-plays have been a problem for Spurs this season and the visitors almost exposed them twice in as many corners.

First Gareth Bale was under pressure and his header needed to be cleared off the line by Gilberto, then Fernandinho was given space but nodded wide.

Spurs’ response was to push forward, with Obika leading their attack. The hosts’ bench was furious when Fraizer Campbell was kicked in the stomach by Fernandinho but referee Paolo Tagliavento waved play on.

Redknapp’s mood did not get any better when Gomes risked an embarrassing blunder by taking the ball around Olexandr Gladkiy — the Spurs boss turned his back and punched the air in disgust.

Gomes is the only player guaranteed a start at Wembley — but Redknapp will be hoping there is no repeat against United.

There were less worries going forward. Bale was sent through by Tom Huddlestone but fired straight at Andriy Pyatov, then Pascal Chimbonda had a header saved before the break.

Obika almost got on the end of Chris Gunter’s cross after the restart, then Giovani’s moment came 10 minutes into the second half, his first goal since arriving from Barcelona in a deal worth #8.6million.

Bale clipped the ball inside from the left and Campbell turned it around the corner as he got clattered by a Shakhtar defender. Giovani picked it up 40 yards out, surged into the penalty area and unleashed a vicious drive into the top corner.

He could have levelled the tie moments later but was inches away from Gilberto’s cross.

Campbell then had another strong penalty shout turned down when Razvan Rat brushed him and Mykola Ischenko slid in.

Dean Parrett and John Bostock were introduced as Spurs tried to force extra-time — but the visitors eventually added to their aggregate lead.

Fernandinho finished crisply from the edge of the area with four minutes leftto end Spurs’ hopes.