An injury to Jose Cifuentes was a rare dark spot in Rangers’ heroic 3-2 Europa League group-stage win away at Real Betis with Philippe Clement bemoaning the loss of the Ecuador international.
Every cloud, as they say, has a silver lining.
And as Jose Cifuentes failed to return for the second half during Rangers thrilling win at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, an opportunity opened up for Dujon Sterling. One the summer signing from Chelsea siezed with both hands.
Sterling, brought in as a right-back but shoehorned into central midfield, was a colossus in an unfamiliar role. Biting, scrapping, blocking and barging, Sterling provided the platform for a sterling defensive effort as Rangers topped their group and ensured that they will still be playing Europa League football after Christmas.
Jose Cifuentes injured in Rangers win
With Cifuentes potentially set to miss Sunday’s League Cup final clash with Aberdeen, and with Nicolas Raskin also on the sidelines, do not be surprised to see Sterling keep his place.
I’m lucky, I’ve had some good nights already. But for sure it’s one of the great nights,” Clement said after the Gers won against Spanish opposition in Spain for the very first time.
“I’ve had some special feelings when I was at Genk and with Brugge. But this is the first time with that feeling with this team. I’m really happy with the evolution we’re making, mentally, physically, technically and tactically. We’re making steps and there’s still a long way to go.
“The frustrating thing for me is that I had to make a change at half-time when Cifuentes picked up a muscle injury. So I’m not happy about that. But then you saw Dujon came in and played a really good game in midfield.
“That’s the mentality we need, everybody fighting for the team but with quality on the ball. We scored three really good goals, so I don’t think any coach can be more pleased than I am.”
Cifuentes could miss Aberdeen clash
Cifuentes, largely underwhelming since his £1.2 million arrival from Los Angeles FC, has not officially been ruled out of Sunday’s final. But, even if there is a chance that he will be available, the MLS import faces a race against time.
