Rangers sealed their place within the quarter-finals of the Europa League with an general 4-2 victory over Red Star Belgrade regardless of falling behind for a 2-1 loss in additional time within the final 16 second spherical.
It was the worst attainable begin for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s staff after they fell behind inside 9 minutes. The Red Star labored the quick nook and when Alfredo Morelos missed his header in the course of the sexyards, Mirko Ivanic managed and shot previous Allan McGregor.
The hosts had the possibility to double their lead simply two minutes later when aim scorer Ivanic was despatched via by Aleksandar Katai, however McGregor was simply as low for the midfielder’s effort.
Rangers created their first try on aim within the twentieth minute when Morelos was fed by Glen Kamara on the break, despite the fact that the Colombian’s end seeped inches broad from the far put up.
McGregor was referred to as to motion once more on the interval and flew to tip Cristiano Piccini’s effort over the crossbar after a humble problem from Ryan Jack on the sting of the world.
The Serbs began the second half in the identical crank because the opening interval. Guelor Kanga’s nasty nook was touched by McGregor, earlier than Ohi Omoijuanfo had the aim at his mercy however selected to put the ball to Ivanic, simply to move the move.
Rangers then punished the opponent’s carelessness within the fifty fifth minute to stage the night time. Ryan Kent performed an exquisite give-and-go with Kamara earlier than exploding away from Piccini. The winger stopped his momentum earlier than his foot try was deflected previous the Red Star’s goalkeeper by a diving Aleksandar Dragovic.
The residence staff continued to scoop in an try and restore the lead. Kanga was left along with his head in his arms when McGregor spilled Sekou Sanogo’s bouncing blow, however the midfielder solely diverted his effort straight again to Rangers No.1.
The harmful Katai continued to search for the Red Star, however it was the Rangers who had the possibility to take the lead within the dying warmth of the competitors. Kemar Roofe was let in behind by Kent, however the ahead was denied a dive cease at his nearest put up from Milan Borjan.
Red Star was then awarded a degree kick in additional time after Kamara fouled Filippo Falco. El Fardou Ben Nabouhane despatched the ensuing penalty, however it was too little, too late from the Serbian facet.
This is how Light Blues rated it after they sealed their place within the final eight of the competitors for the primary time since 2008.
McGregor collects the ball / Srdjan Stevanovic / GettyImages
Allan McGregor (GK) – 9/10 – Another large achievement on the European stage from the previous Scotland nationwide staff participant, to change into the oldest goalkeeper ever to make 10+ saves in a Europa League match.
James Tavernier (RB) – 6/10 – As at all times, he seemed extremely harmful when he reached the final third, however he not often received the possibility to gallop ahead.
Connor Goldson (CB) – 7/10 – Defended his expulsion field impressively properly and foresaw the hazard from the Red Star Belgrade when it unfolded.
Leon Balogun (CB) – 7/10 – Weak in some air challenges, however he swept up properly within the defensive third when required.
Calvin Bassey (LB) – 6/10 – Rarely dared to maneuver ahead, however he was sturdy in his defensive duels to restrict the risk from the Red Star in Belgrade.
Kamara competes for the ball / Alex Pantling / GettyImages
Ryan Jack (CM) – 5/10 – It is these matches the place the midfielder normally thrives, however he seemed a bit from a bodily perspective.
John Lundstram (CM) – 9/10 – Searched for the diagonal ping to Kent every time for the Rangers, and gathered the midfield with authority on either side of the ball. Star display.
Glen Kamara (AM) – 6/10 – For probably the most half, he seemed awkward in a extra superior, No. 10 place, however his return move to Kent within the lead till his aim was completely weighted. Very unlucky to let within the damage time penalty.
Kent celebrates his strike / Srdjan Stevanovic / GettyImages
Joe Aribo (RW) – 5/10 – Played on the margin when the Rangers had the ball, despite the fact that he was diligent in his defensive work.
Alfredo Morelos (ST) – 5/10 – Should have accomplished higher within the penalty space on the nook which led to Röda Stjärnan Belgrade’s opener. Lacked conviction within the attacking moments created for him earlier than he was pressured off with a tendon drawback.
Ryan Kent (LW) – 6/10 – Constantly discovered the areas and after a wasteful first half, the Red Star punished Belgrade with a run and completed ten minutes after the break.
62 ‘SUB: Double substitution for Rangers.
➡️ ON: Sands & Arfield⬅️ OFF: Aribo & Jack
Crvena zvezda 1-1 Rangers (Agg 1-4) #UEL
– Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) March 17, 2022
James Sands (CM) – 5/10 – Stolen the midfield line and let Lundstram use his qualities within the defensive position.
Scott Arfield (RW) – 5/10 – Added recent legs at a vital time for the away staff.
Kemar Roofe (ST) – N / A
Borna Barisic (LB) – N / A
Scott Wright (LW) – N / A
