Clinical Rangers took a giant stride towards qualifying for the Europa League knockout stages after running out convincing 4-1 winners over woeful OGC Nice at the Allianz Rivera.
The Ibrox side enjoyed another incredible night on their travels in European competition as three goals in the space of ten first-half minutes all-but killed off the tie as a contest against the depleted Ligue 1 outfit, who were aiming to protect an impressive record on home soil.
Manager Philippe Clement was returning to familiar territory in the Cote d’Azur for the first time since being sacked by Monaco in the summer of 2023. During his time in the south of France, he came up against Nice on three occasions, beating them twice and tasting one defeat.
The Gers were unbeaten in their last five away games against French opposition in all competitions - most recently a 1-1 draw at Lyon in December 2021 - and they were always in control of this encounter against a Nice side who sit fifth in the top-flight.
Following a bright start to the match, Vaclav Cerny opened the scoring after 35 minutes via two deflections when Dujon Sterling’s deep cross was expertly controlled by Hamza Igamane. It was 2-0 just three minutes later when Mohamed Diomande connected with Sterling’s lofted pass to beat the goalkeeper from a tight angle.
The lively Igamane made it three on the stroke of half-time after pouncing on a blind back-pass and rounding the keeper before calmly slotting into an empty net to spark bedlam among the 2,000 strong travelling support. And the Moroccan striker grabbed his second goal of the match nine minutes into the second half after once again intercepting a poor pass before nutmegging a defender and curling the ball into the far corner to cap off a fantastic display.
Visiting stopper Jack Butland was denied the hat-trick his performance merited on 83 minutes when he was beaten by Badredine Bouanani’s free-kick. But the chances kept coming for Clement’s men and substitute Cyriel Dessers missed a sitter from just a couple of yards out in the closing stages with the points already in safe keeping.
Here’s how we rated the Rangers players in France.
1. Jack Butland - 7/10
Excellent save just before the VAR penalty controversy. Pushed Laborde's header behind for a corner late in the first-half. Spread himself well at his near post as Nice threatened moments after the restart. Strong hand to push Boudaoui's long-range strike behind. Denied a clean sheet from Bouanani's free-kick that left him with no chance. | SNS Group
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2. Dujon Sterling - 7/10
Sliding block to snuffed out a promising early Nice attack. Made a couple of well-timed interventions. Swung in a deep cross which led to Cerny's goal. Terrific lofted pass for Diomande to double the lead. Undeservedly subbed. | SNS Group
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3. John Souttar - 7/10
Enjoying a rich vein of form and continued to impress in France. Brave goal-saving block seconds before a penalty was awarded then overturned. Didn't have a great deal else to do but looked very solid. | SNS Group
4. Robin Propper - 7/10
Always looked for the direct option rather than pass out from the back. Rarely tested defensively. | Getty Images