Rangers returned to Seville for the first time since well, you know when, to face a Real Betis side fresh off a draw against European superpower Real Madrid in La Liga.
It was never going to be a comfortable night for Jack Butland and co. in the Light Blues rearguard but, at least, progress in Europe had already been confirmed.
Against the top seed in any group it is always a tough shift and who from the Rangers squad stood up to be counted against Real Betis and who wilted under the heat of the Spanish lights in a stunning performance?
Rangers v Real Betis player ratings
This is the match ratings for Gers boss Philippe Clement’s side:
Jack Butland – 7
The key to being a good Rangers keeper is being able to produce big saves in the 90th minute when they have been quiet the whole game, they also have to be able to bail out their defence when the going gets tough.
No chance with any of the goals.
James Tavernier – 7
His 28th game of the season already, at 32-years old he shouldn’t still be our top goalscorer and most creative outlet from right-back, maybe one day we will truly appreciate him.
Improved defensively as the game went on.
Borna Barisic – 6
Tends to play it safe against better opposition so that Tavernier can get higher on the opposite side, when he does this though, we lose one of our best assets, his left foot.
Offered almost nothing going forward and was almost caught out a few times in the first half.
Connor Goldson – 7
If Connor Goldson plays well, usually, the defence plays well.
It was a rough night but better in the second half.
Ben Davies – 6
Has found himself playing second fiddle to Leon Balogun and John Souttar domestically but has played at this level well before and often enough to know what is required.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t at the level of the home game between the two sides.
John Lundstram – 9
Probably the only player who could be excused a dip in form because there is literally nobody else who can replace him at the moment, work rate remains immense and Rangers needed that against a technically gifted Real Betis side.
Huge shift.
Jose Cifuentes – 6
Has adapted well in recent games to an unfamiliar role and style of play showing that he can be effective when we don’t have possession, finally looks like he is settling in after his summer move to Ibrox.
He showed another side of him with an inch perfect through ball for Dessers.
Sam Lammers –7
Had to step up in the absence of Todd Cantwell and was always going to be a tough night given the standard of opposition.
Created early chance for Sima with a great run and pass and tried to link play with Cyriel Dessers.
Ross McCausland – 5
I can guarantee that he wouldn’t, in his wildest dreams, think that he would be playing in this fixture when he stated the season in the B team playing bounce games.
Learned a very harsh lesson about following your runner at this level and gave the ball away a few too many times in good positions.
Abdallah Sima – 8
Domestically, he scores goals and is a threat with his pace and finishing.
In Europe, his work rate and energy is invaluable and he scores goals.
Get the deal done!
Cyriel Dessers – 8
Ronald de Boer said that there is no happy medium with Cyriel Dessers and his recent improvement couldn’t come at a better time with Danilo out injured.
Dare I say it but, he was almost peak Alfredo Morelos-esque against Real Betis.
Caused the centre-halves problems, set up the first for Sima and scored a wonderful second.
Substitutes
Dujon Sterling – 8
Growing into life as a central midfielder, broke up play on numerous occasions and looked to carry the ball out of danger.
Rabbi Matondo – 5
Should have scored when he fresh aired from Goldson’s cut-back, ineffective.
Kemar Roofe – 7
Standard Kemar Roofe. Two yards out, there is nobody in our squad you would rather that chance fell to.
