Oh, how Ibrox has missed European night like this! Rangers went on to beat their Austrian rivals Rapid Wien 3-1 in a pulsating game where the home side dominated proceedings. Steven Gerrard and Co have continued their juggernaut in Europe as they are now unbeaten in their last 10 Europa League games.
The game was evenly balanced in the first half as both the teams failed to make any clear-cut chances for the most part. The game sprung into life just before the halftime as Rapid Wien found the back of the net through Veton Berisha. However, the Austrian outfit’s goal should have been disallowed due to an offside which the linesman missed just under his nose as Andrei Ivan was miles off. The Gers didn’t let that affect them as they hit back instantly through Alfredo Morelos who was found brilliantly by the forward run of James Tavernier.
It was clear that the Gers didn’t come out to get a draw as they stepped up a gear in the second half. The final ball was missing, but the Teddy bears were battering Rapid Wien. The crucial second goal came late in the 84th minute when Morelos was taken down in the box. Tavernier buried the ball in with a brilliantly taken penalty. Morelos got his second in the last stages of the game.
Here is how the Gers fared in their terrific win against Rapid Wien.
Allan McGregor 6
Didn’t have much to do throughout the game as the Austrian outfit failed to muster anything while going forward. Distributed the ball decently.
James Tavernier 6.5
Assisted a goal and scored the all-important second goal, so he deserves a huge amount of plaudits. Worked tirelessly and moved forward on every occasion. However, his set-piece deliveries were off the radar slightly.
Connor Goldson 6
Was hardly tested and did an overall good job when he was called into action.
Joe Worrall 6
His place was under scrutiny after a poor performance against Livingston, but he did a fine job to come back from a poor game. Was solid aerially and read the game well to keep out the danger.
Jon Flanagan 6.5
Was a surprise selection over Borna Barisic. Maybe the Croatian wasn’t hundred per cent. Flanagan put in a good shift in the left back role.
Lassana Coulibaly 7
Was solid and seems to be slowly getting back to his best after his injury. Made some crucial interceptions and nicked the ball off often of Rapid Wien players to keep the pressure on them.
Ovie Ejaria 6
Could have done a lot more creatively as he often chose the more comfortable option in midfield. Had a great chance to score from a header. Put in a decent performance overall.
Scott Arfield 5.5
Lost the ball often and failed to find the right pass in the final third. We feel the Canadian is more suited to play in a deeper role in midfield instead of the no.10 position he is currently playing in.
Ryan Kent 8
Morelos might take away a lot of the plaudits from this game, but Kent was the real hero down the left flank as he created plenty of chances throughout the game. His direct running, pace and skills were too good for the visitors to handle.
Daniel Candeias 7
His crossing improved in this game, and the Portuguese was decisive in his passing and skills. Showed a significant improvement from the last few games.
Alfredo Morelos 8
The Gers faithful adores him when he plays like this as he was everything a striker is supposed to be. Hassled the defenders physically, ran into channels, held the ball well, great with his work rate and top-class finishing to bag a brace. The Colombian ticked all the boxes tonight.
Substitute
Andy Halliday N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating
Glenn Middleton
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating
