Rangers make history by overturning a 2-0 Champions League deficit against Union Saint Gilloise and here are our player ratings from the match.
The Ibrox side put in a spirited performance to beat the Belgian side 3-0 on the night with a Playoff tie against PSV now on the horizon for the club.
But before then there’s still some time to revel in the Ibrox club’s stunning victory in Glasgow and here’s how we rated the players on the night.
Rangers player ratings v USG
GK – Jon McLaughlin – 7
With questions asked of McLaughlin after USG’s first goal in Belgium, there was some discussion about his place going into the match. The keeper claimed the ball, inspired some confidence and even came out quick to make a second half save. Solid and growing into the #1 jersey.
DR – James Tavernier – 7
Not his normally incisive self in transition – but few where in an oft-ragged passing display at Ibrox – the Rangers captain continued to take responsibility and drive the team forward down the right. As soon as USG gifted Rangers a penalty, not one person in Ibrox though the skipper was missing it. Big game player.
DC – Connor Goldson – 7.5
Yet another solid and composed leadership performance from the Rangers vice-captain who is now becoming expertly experienced at this level. A vital part of the Rangers side who is always available both to play for the team and to receive a pass, the big man wasn’t majorly tested but always at the heart of things.
DC – James Sands – 6
James Sands is more a midfielder than a natural CB and is currently playing there courtesy of injuries to Ben Davies, Filip Helander and John Souttar, so let’s cut the USA international some slack. Despite this, there were numerous instances of well-timed challenges and headers, but the consistently slack passing from the back had hearts skipping a beat throughout.
DL – Borna Barisic – 7
Under pressure to deliver – quite literally – Borna Barisic stood up to the challenge and contributed two assists which ultimately changed the game. Still playing within himself a little, Borna whipped the ball in for the hand-ball penalty before finding Malik Tillman with a looping cross for the winner; two major contributions despite continued grumbles from the crowd.
CDM – John Lundstram – 8
John Lundstram is fast becoming a proper Rangers midfielder. OK, so there is some early season rust but when the big man is good he’s good and there’s something captivating about seeing the powerful Scouser command the middle of the park, spray passes left and right and glide up and down the park. Put his money where his mouth is.
CM – Scott Arfield – 6
Struggled to get involved in the first half but being honest much of this wasn’t for the want of trying. A tireless presence every time he plays, Arfield’s runs from deep were a common sight in the first half but a nervous Rangers side struggled to find him. Forced a save from the keeper for Colak’s goal.
CM – Tom Lawrence – 8
Tom Lawrence might not have scored in this game but the ex-Derby captain was the most incisive presence on the park and impressed more and more as the game went on. Lawrence is nimble, has superb close control and we reckon that this might be the start of a beautiful friendship. Footballing-wise, the Welshman was a stand-out.
RF – Malik Tillman – 8.5 * MOTM
The Bayern Munich loanee and USA international has impressed in the early days of his Rangers spell and that goal will do Tillman’s confidence the world of good as he grows into the shirt. A creative and technical footballer who can help unlock defences, Tillman also showed his athleticism and physicality with that leap for the winner. Our MOTM, even if it feels unnatural to see him on the right wing, with Tom Lawrence a close second.
ST – Antonio Colak 7.5
The big Croatian has taken some unfair stick since joining Rangers as the side continues to work towards top form. Colak has shown immense resilience to bounce back amid the criticism and the striker earned Ibrox redemption with his important second goal in the game after flashing two headers over the bar A powerful poacher who could go on to score a hatful in Light Blue.
LF – Ryan Kent 7
It speaks volumes that Ryan Kent’s inclusion in the starting XI had such a monumental impact on not only the team but the crowd, with the winger a talismanic presence in the side. Huffed and puffed in the first half but struggled to overcome extra attention from USG. Much better in the second half, and alongside Tavernier and Goldson, one of the first names on the team sheet.
Substitutes:
Matondo: 4 – spritely as always and threatened in flashes, Davies: 3 – barely tested, fans are eager to see more of the ex-Liverpool man, Morelos: 4 – unlucky not to round the keeper or finish from a Kent cross, Kamara: 3 – on for Lawrence to shore things up.
