Rangers hosted Polish heavyweights Legia Warsaw in the second leg of the Europa League playoffs and earned a hard-fought 1-0 win which sends them to the main draws of the Europa League for the second year in a row.
The game was well balanced in the first half even though Rangers had a good spell of possession. Morelos squandered an easy chance early on as Ryan Jack put the ball on his head perfectly, but the Colombian failed to find the back of the net. Warsaw also had some good moments in Rangers’ half, but they were unable to capitalise, and the first half ended at 0-0.
The home team clearly dominated the second half and Warsaw had to rely on counter-attacks. Rangers had some half chances, but they failed to take them. At that stage, it felt like the game would head into extra time. However, Morelos made amends for his first-half miss as he headed in a stoppage-time goal via Jordan Jones’ cross which gave Rangers a 1-0 victory.
Here is how Gerrard’s men fared.
Allan McGregor 6
Had a comfortable game compared to the first leg. Made some regulation saves.
Nikola Katic 7.5
Didn’t put a foot wrong defensively throughout the game as he read the dangers well and dealt with them. Could have scored through a corner in the second half.
Connor Goldson 6.5
Was caught out of position on occasions and was turned far too easily in the second half once on the counter. Apart from 2-3 vulnerable moments, did alright.
Borna Barisic 7
Big show of confidence from Gerrard to give him a start today. Looked bright and did his defensive jobs well and looked threatening while going forward. Had to go off early, maybe because of a head injury in the second half.
James Tavernier 7
Was turned far too easily in the first half which gave Warsaw a good chance. Apart from that one moment, wasn’t troubled much defensively. Could have been more precise with his final delivery a few time but didn’t stop working hard throughout the game.
Steven Davis 8
Looked composed and moved the ball well in possession. Was instrumental in switching up play. Always seemed a step ahead in the game.
Ryan Jack 7
Was everywhere on the pitch and worked extremely hard. Linked up play well and once again proved his worth.
Joe Aribo 6
Had a quiet game as Rangers weren’t able to get him on the ball much in a dangerous area. Took one great touch in the second half, which created half a chance for his side.
Scott Arfield 7
Wasn’t involved in the game much in the first half but saw more of the ball in the second 45. Always looking to find space in the final third and linked with his team-mates well when he got on the ball.
Sheyi Ojo 6.5
Tracked back and did some good defensive work. Had one decent chance from outside of the box but he got his shot all wrong in the first half. Took one decent attempt on goal in the second 45. Wasn’t too useful with his link-up play.
Alfredo Morelos 7
Should have scored with a header in the first half. However, all’s well that ends well and the South American found the back of the net late on in the game. Misplaced a few passes but he worked extremely hard and drew plenty of fouls to retain Rangers’ dominance in the game.
Substitutes
Jordan Jones 7
Provided the assist for the only goal of the game as he found Morelos perfectly with a cross.
Jon Flanagan 6
Played the last half hour and added solidity at the back
Glen Kamara N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating
