Rangers secured a first victory over Spanish opposition since 1985 after a combination of Ben Davies and Abdallah Sima prodded home from close range to earn a battling 1-0 win over Real Betis in their Europa League opener at Ibrox.
Michael Beale’s side marked their return to the second tier UEFA competition by edging a tightly-contested match against the La Liga outfit in what turned out to be an assured display.
Goalkeeper Jack Butland had to be at his best to produce a number of outstanding saves as the visitors threatened to put a dampner on proceedings in the first-half, while the woodwork denied Tom Lawrence and Borna Barisic.
Before kick-off, both teams took part in an impeccably observed minute’s silence in memory of former Ibrox legend and Scotland Wembley hero Ronnie McKinnon following his death aged 83 last weekend.
The 2021/22 finalists improved after the break and the only goal of the match came amid a frantic scramble after veteran shot-stopper Claudio Bravo made a stunning point-blank save to deny Kemar Roofe. A game of pinball ensued before Davies lunged in just ahead of Sima to poke home and spark wild celebrations.
Here’s our post-match Rangers player ratings from Ibrox:
Unused subs: Robby McCrorie (GK), Kieran Wright (GK), John Souttar, Scott Wright, Leon King, Adam Devine, Cole McKinnon, Arron Lyall.
5. Ben Davies - 8/10
Solid as rock. Able to continue after a first half head knock. Reacted quickly to pounce on the rebound and poke home after Roofe was denied at close range. Some excellent last-ditch blocks. | Getty Images
6. Borna Barisic - 7/10
Dangerous delivery dropped to Sima who couldn’t make a clean connection. Unfortunate to rattle the crossbar during an improved second half showing. | SNS Group
7. John Lundstram - 6/10
Guilty of losing possession and gifting away cheap fouls on a couple of occasions. Didn’t do enough in terms of playing the ball forward and looking for a killer pass. Not great. | Getty Images
8. Jose Cifuentes - 6/10
Struggled to get to grips with five-time Champions league winner Isco throughout. Fared marginally better after the break. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group