Alan McGregor carried out higher within the match as Rangers misplaced 2-1 to Crimson Star Belgrade in Serbia however superior to the Europa League quarter-finals 4-2 on mixture.
Ryan Kent was the Rangers’ goal-scoring hero that evening as his skewed shot 11 minutes into the second half ended Crimson Star’s resuscitation mission, backed by Mirko Ivanic’s early termination.
Substitute Alferdo Bennabohan scored from the penalty spot in stoppage time after Glenn Camara fouled Filippo Falco to safe the house aspect’s victory final evening however the injury was already achieved through the first leg.
Rangers arrived in Serbia defending their 3-0 lead after objectives from James Tavernier, Alfredo Morelos and Leon Balogon on a well-known evening final week at Ibrox. This was their fiftieth recreation of the season, however coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s aspect took an early storm with Ivanic trailing after simply 10 minutes.
Rangers gamers rejoice Kent’s aim at Crimson Star
It was a poor concession as Gelor Kanga dodged a right-hand nook from Morelos and Glenn Camara did not act quick sufficient as Ivanic breathed life into the tie. An enormous hand was blocked by Alan McGregor Ivanic once more earlier than Milan Pavkov pulled out one other nice alternative.
Ibrox had an opportunity to achieve the Europa League quarter-finals for the primary time since they reached the ultimate in 2008, however they owed veteran goalkeeper McGregor a superb save to disclaim Crimson Star a second earlier than. Penetration of the trouble Cristiano Piccini within the balls.
The Maracana’s 2,000-strong partisan crowd engulfed the Rangers and threatened guests sporadically within the opening interval as Morelos fired large after being dispatched by Camara.
Milan Pavkov reveals his frustration with Crimson Star
Crimson Star had by no means misplaced a European dwelling recreation together with qualifiers in opposition to a Scottish group of their earlier six encounters, Rangers had represented three of these matches, and McGregor was referred to as into motion inside three minutes of the break from Kanga’s header.
A one-ball observe over the primary moments after that resulted in Ohi Omoijuanfo shrugging off Calvin Basie however he was unable to organize Pavkov for a easy end.
Within the historical past of the European League for the reason that 2009/10 season, the one group to have reversed a deficit of three objectives or extra within the first leg of a knockout match was Valencia vs FC Basel within the 2013/14 quarter-final – profitable the second leg 5-0 shedding the primary recreation 3-0.
Rangers had been grateful to McGregor on three different events early within the second half as he saved Kanga’s header whereas Ivanic and Ben Nabhan grew to become pissed off with the veteran goalkeeper as Crimson Star sought to construct a robust header.
However Kent’s superb contact, albeit a significant deviation from Aleksandar Dragovic, ensured that Ben Nabhan’s late penalty was only a blemish on an unforgettable night within the Serbian capital of the Scottish champions.
What then?
Sunday March 20 11:00 AM
Departure at 12:00 midday
The draw for the Europa League quarter-finals and semi-finals will happen on Friday, 18 March, at 12pm UK time, with the balls drawn on the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. It is possible for you to to comply with all 3 attracts Sky Sports activities Digital platforms.
Rangers return to the Scottish Premier League on Sunday in Dundee, reside Sky Sports activities Soccer; Match begins at 12 pm.
