Rangers took on Rapid Wien at the Allianz Stadion in a must-win tie, and they failed to create any magic as they succumbed tamely to a 1-0 defeat. The night promised a lot but failed to deliver as the Gers lacked the quality to open up an average Austrian side.
The first half was evenly matched as both teams were fighting it out in midfield and failed to muster up any clear-cut opportunities from open play. Rangers had their big chance through a wide free kick which was headed on to the bar by Connor Goldson. The Gers were sloppy in possession and gave the ball away cheaply on quite a few occasions. The first half ended goalless.
The second half followed a similar pattern even though Rangers tried to press the issue a bit. The absence of the likes of Ryan Kent and Daniel Candeias was a major one. The home side took the lead in the last few minutes as Allan McGregor completely misdirected his clearance, and the Austrian outfit punished the away side to secure a 1-0 win which ensured their safe passage to the knockout stage.
Here is how Gerrard’ men fared on the night.
Allan McGregor 5
Not much to do in goal regarding making saves. The veteran’s kicking and distribution was off and his costly error, in the end, ensured a disappointing end to the game for the away side.
Borna Barisic 6
Valuable addition at the back from injury. His runs while going forward were threatening. But couldn’t conjure up much on the night.
Gareth McAuley 5.5
Sloppy in possession. Was just about okay at the back.
Connor Goldson 6
Made some sloppy passes to begin with. Had the biggest chance as he directed his header well but not well enough to score a goal from the set piece in the first half.
James Tavernier 5.5
Couldn’t produce quality crosses. His set-piece deliveries were on point. Did his job well defensively
Ryan Jack 7
Probably the best player on the pitch for the Bears. Looked assured on the ball and worked hard defensively.
Ross McCrorie 5.5
Got a rare start in such a big game. Worked hard to cover up defensively. Gerrard would have liked to see some more composure on the ball from him.
Scott Arfield 6
With two major creative players out, Arfield had the primary responsibility to deliver something, but the Canadian failed to produce much in the final third. Full marks for his work rate.
Lassana Coulibaly 4
One of the worst players on the pitch for the away side. Way too weak in possession and gave the ball away cheaply on quite a few occasions. Lacked quality when he received the ball higher up the pitch. Gerrard should have played either Lafferty or Grezda in place of him to give the team more spark while going forward.
Glenn Middleton 5
His pace was always a threat down the left, but Gerrard would have wanted some more quality on the ball (Yes, same as everyone else).
Alfredo Morelos 5.5
Tried his level best but had to feed off scraps throughout the game. Had to drop deep and did some good work here and there but that is not how one would want to see the main striker play.
Substitutes
Eros Grezda N/A
Wasn’t involved much.
Kyle Lafferty N/A
Gerrard should have started with him as the Gers didn’t have much to offer up front. Won a few headers after coming on but didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
