Rangers picked up a massive win over Feyenoord in their opening Group G game in the Europa League with an impressive performance against the Dutch side – but the Gers will feel they should’ve won my a bigger margin than 1-0.
An impeccably-observed minute silence was held before kick-off to pay tribute to Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen before both sets of fans rose in applause on the second minute.
The game started off at a high pace but it was the visitors who had the first real opportunity when Allan McGregor was forced into a good save from Orkun Kökcü before Sam Larsson put the rebound behind.
Rangers were then handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty after a handball by Edgar Ié but James Tavernier fired his spot-kick off the outside of the post and went wide with ten minutes on the clock.
The penalty miss didn’t seem to have any adverse effect on the Gers and the Light Blues kept pressing forward looking for the opening goals with Alfredo Morelos, in particular, causing trouble for the visitors.
The woodwork kept the score level for a second time when Scott Arfield’s shot cannoned off the bar and away as half of Ibrox thought it was going in.
Then the chance Rangers were looking for finally came on 23 minutes – and it almost took the roof off Ibrox.
After a scrappy passage of play, Borna Barisic done well to win a 50/50 before Sheyi Ojo fired an unstoppable strike into the net from 30 yards which Vermeer almost got to as it made its way back out of the net.
It was a phenomenal strike by the Liverpool loanee and nothing short of what they deserved as they looked to extend their thirteen-game unbeaten run at home in Europe to a fourteenth.
By this point, Rangers were dominant and Vermeer had to be on his toes to make two solid saves to deny Morelos as the Colombian terrorised the Feynoord defence – and there should’ve been a penalty awarded in the middle of it all as El Buffalo was brought down.
There was an injury scare for Rangers as Morelos went down before being taken out on the edge of the area before Ojo and Connor Goldson both went incredibly close to doubling the Gers’ lead but somehow failed to do so before half-time.
Feyenoord started the second half much brighter and forced an early corner but the Gers managed to clear their lines and get out of their own box.
It didn’t last for long though as Jaap Stam’s side kept trying to find a way back into the game, forcing McGregor into a vital save to keep Rangers in front.
Rangers started to exert more pressure again and began finding more and more holes in the Feyenoord defence and had several chances to double their advantage but couldn’t find that killer touch.
After a shaky opening ten minutes following the restart, the Gers were back in control but there was a lull in the crowd as some nerves began to take hold among the Ibrox support.
Despite that, Gerrard’s players kept up their really impressive high press and forced the Dutch defenders into having to go long in a bid to ease the pressure.
As the clock ticked down, Rangers were still controlling the tempo of the game and were very much on top but the narrow lead was making up for an anxious finale at a near-packed Ibrox – with Rangers making their first change with 15 minutes remaining as Brandon Barker replaced the tiring Ojo.
Rangers started making silly mistakes and let the tension get to them and they had McGregor to thank when he pulled off a massive save in the last five minutes which breathed new life into the 46000-plus fans inside Ibrox.
The final few minutes were as tense as any at Ibrox in a long time but Gerrard’s side managed to hold on for the three minutes of added time and take a huge win.
Here is how Steven Gerrard’s side performed against Feyenoord:
Allan McGregor – 8
Really important save early in the first half before becoming a passenger for long spells. The veteran’s ability to come alive after doing nothing for lengthy periods is fantastic and so important for Rangers. Massive save five minutes from the end could well prove vital later in the campaign.
James Tavernier – 7
Early penalty miss could’ve really affected him but the skipper didn’t let his head drop and put in an impressive shift. Constantly driving others on and encouraging his team-mates as they looked for a second.
Connor Goldson – 6
Really should’ve scored before the break and had one or two risky passes. Solid enough but needs to cut out some of the silly mistakes. Will be hoping to get a chance to build a partnership with Helander.
Filip Helander – 7
Surprise starter ahead of Niko Katic but looked comfortable. The more composed of the Gers central defenders but had a few moments where the Light Blues were under unnecessary pressure. Wouldn’t be a surprise to see him retain his place against St. Johnstone this weekend. Didn’t show any signs of his lack of games.
Borna Barisic – 7
The Croatian international was back in the side and played a part in Ojo’s strike, winning a 50/50 which fell for the Liverpool loanee. Some of his deliveries were fantastic and if Rangers can get this sort of performance from Brisic most weeks then he has a good future at the club.
Glen Kamara – 7
Another who was a surprise starter but showed some really fantastic touches in midfield and used the ball excellently the majority of the time but faded out of the game a little bit later on. Replaced by Joe Aribo after picking up a booking.
Ryan Jack – 8
Covered every blade of glass several times over as Rangers dominated the opening 45. Should’ve done better with a chance in the second half but a much-welcomed return from injury for the midfielder.
Steven Davis – 9
What a player. The heartbeat of this side and absolutely everything went through him. Makes everyone around him look so much better and is key to whatever success Rangers have this season.
Sheyi Ojo – 8
Really looked up for it and his goal was a fantastic strike from distance that the Gers fully deserved. An impressive performance from Ojo and one of his best games for the club since arriving on loan. Replaced by Barker.
Scott Arfield – 7
Constant energy and always seems to pop up in little pockets of space. The amount of work he does for the team is incredible, even if he doesn’t have headline stats that people look for. Gave away a silly free-kick near the end which proved to be his final involvement.
Alfredo Morelos – 9
Just unplayable. The Feyenoord defenders will be having nightmares about Morelos for a long time to come as he ran them ragged for long spells. A constant source of trouble for the visitors – although he should have done better in front of goal.
Substitutes: Brandon Barker: (6) Replaced Sheyi Ojo and added new energy to the Gers attack. Joe Aribo (6) Given the last ten minutes as the Gers looked to see the game out. Andy King: Came on for Scott Arfield in the final minute.
