Blackburn have finally savoured the sweet taste of a European victory to book their place in the group stages of the Uefa Cup.

Rovers went into the first-round tie with just one win in 17 Uefa Cup and Champions League games behind them - and that a dead-rubber group clash in the latter competition against Rosenborg.

But there was no doubting last night's success as the English side deservedly swept past Austrian League leaders Salzburg with goals either side of half-time from Benni McCarthy and a stunner from David Bentley.

Rovers dominated the game, despite the fact it was veteran manager Giovanni Trapattoni's side who needed to win to advance to the next phase after a 2-2 first-leg draw.

The two goals at the Bulls Arena a fortnight ago had given manager Mark Hughes' side a platform on which to build, despite an injury-time equaliser from Marc Janko.

On that basis, the 6ft 4in striker was among three changes made to the Salzburg line-up, joining former Germany international Alexander Zickler - who grabbed the opener in Austria - in attack.

With Switzerland star Johan Vonlanthen on the left wing, Salzburg presented a threatening line-up, but they were tame throughout.

Meanwhile, Rangers also booked their place in the group stages with a 2-0 win over Molde last night. Goals from Thomas Buffel and Barry Ferguson handed Paul Le Guen his first European victory since taking over at Ibrox in the summer.

Rangers were expected to ease to victory against in the first leg in Norway a fortnight ago, but were forced to settle for a drab goalless draw instead.

Since then results have deteriorated in the Scottish Premier League with third-placed Rangers suffering their first defeat of the season to Hibernian before losing to league leaders Celtic.

Hearts, currently between the Old Firm rivals on the SPL table, crashed out of the Uefa Cup on a 2-0 aggregate after a goalless draw against Sparta Prague at the Toyota Arena.

The Edinburgh side survived a first half in which only the crossbar prevented the Czech Republic side from extending their first-leg advantage.

Jamie Mole missed a great opportunity just after the interval and with that went the Scottish side's chances.