Rangers, under Steven Gerrard, witnessed an incredible upsurge having made it to European group stage after eight long years. They maintained an unbeaten streak since the first qualification round and defied the odds with grit and determination. The Gers, however, have been drawn alongside Villarreal, Spartak Moscow and Rapid Wien – although a problematic group, the gaffer is enjoying the opportunity to compete against the high-profile European sides. The outing at Estadio de la Cerámica against hosts Villarreal was indeed a monumental task for the Teddy Bears this afternoon, but Gerrard’s juggernaut delivered a headstrong display and came back twice from behind to finish it 2-2 on the road.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their inspiring 2-2 draw against Villarreal.
Allan McGregor: 6
Was understandably not ready for Carlos Bacca’s stunning opener within 50 seconds of the game. Did well to deny Santi Cazorla’s powerful strike from a distance towards the end of the first half. Was slow at times and lucky with his clearances but the veteran Scotsman did well to keep the Gers in contention pulling off some crucial saves. He, however, conceded again a couple of minutes into Rangers’ equaliser but the spirited visitors came back once more to make it all square at Estadio de la Cerámica.
James Tavernier: 7.5
Struggled defensively initially allowing space for Alfonso Pedraza to make overlapping runs. Was decent going forward and whipped in crosses from the right. Played his part in Arfield’s goal as Villarreal struggled to contain him down the flank.
Connor Goldson: 6.5
Made some crucial blocks and interceptions. The hosts often opened them up defensively, but the ex-Brighton centre-back showed great resilience and diligence to fight out the contest.
Joe Worrall: 6.5
The England U21 international made a false start to his Rangers career as he allowed the ball to bounce off his side which led Bacca to finish with a sublime strike. Settled in with time, showed great passing traits along with tackling, interceptions and no-nonsense clearances.
Borna Barisic: 7
Should have closed down Gerard Moreno who equalized seconds after Arfield’s equaliser. But the Croatian compensated for his mistake as his spectacular forward run, and a perfect cross for Lafferty sealed them a point from this tricky away tie. Was replaced by Graham Dorrans with a suspected injury concern.
Andy Halliday: 7
Worked hard all throughout. Slotted in between Goldson and Worrall to deny the hosts’ relentless attacking threats at one stage of the game and also tried his best to drag the ball out of deep to to distribute it high up the pitch for his teammates.
Lassana Coulibaly: 6
Was not at his best as he lost a few duels and struggled to control the midfield game. Made a couple of crucial clearances but lacked the intent he showed so far this campaign. Was taken off and replaced by youngster Glenn Middleton.
Scott Arfield: 6.5
Was not impressive as he was losing possession repeatedly and also struggled to win duels in the middle of the park. But the ex-Burnley star made his mark when he scored his maiden Rangers goal while finding the first equaliser. Arfield should have done better to finish it off with a late winner but failed to direct substitute Graham Dorrans’ exquisite pass into the back of the net.
Daniel Candeias: 7
The Portuguese attacker worked hard and kept on linking-up with skipper Tavernier down the right wing. The duo combined spectacularly while equalising via Arfield and left a positive impression while leaving the pitch to be replaced by Ross McCrorie.
Ryan Kent: 6.5
The young Liverpool loanee was the most promising individual in a disappointing first half as he dribbled past the defence a few times to create chances. His pace often troubled the hosts and the player switched flanks, later on, to allow Middleton to operate from the left.
Kyle Lafferty: 7
Was slow to react and often failed to remain onside in the first half. But his presence and concentration inside the box got him his reward when he found the back of the net and earned Rangers their second equaliser late in the game.
Substitutes
Glenn Middleton: 7
Made an instant impact since coming on to replace Coulibaly as he worked spectacularly down the left flank to find Barisic who put the ball on a plate for Lafferty to equalise.
Ross McCrorie: 6
Was brought in to make things calm and stable in the middle of the park.
Graham Dorrans: 6
Made his long-awaited injury return and showed glimpses of quality in closing minutes.
