Rangers might have already been crowned the champions of Scotland with 6 league games remaining, but their Thursday night contest against Slavia Praha was tipped to be an engaging contest with both sides maintaining an unbeaten streak in their respective leagues. Yet to be defeated in Europe as well, the Gers travelled to Eden Arena to lock horns with the Czech champions who eliminated favourites Leicester City in the previous round.
Nicolae Stanciu’s early stunner stunned the Bears, but they fought back to find an equaliser via Filip Helander.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 1-1 draw against Slavia Praha.
Allan McGregor: 7.5
The Scotsman was way too close to the first post, yet he could have done little to stop Stanciu’s majestic strike. Was alert enough to deny Lukáš Provod’s free-kick minutes before Helander’s equalizer. Made a couple of massive saves in the closing minutes to avoid heartbreak.
Nathan Patterson: 6.5
Mostly concentrated on defensive duties to combat the pacy Peter Olayinka down the wide areas. The hosts targetted the teenager’s flank, but he stood tall overall and did his job with sheer commitment and dedication. A potential goal-saving block in the closing minutes deserves a lot of appreciation.
Connor Goldson: 8
Another inspiring display from the centre-half as in addition to his defensive duties, he also covered young Patterson time and again. Indeed a captain’s performance from the ever-present Englishman, barring one occasion when he missed a free header in the second half.
Filip Helander: 8
Was struggling initially to deal with the pace of the match but settled in eventually, particularly after scoring the tap in to grab the massive equaliser 10 minutes before the break. Won most of the duels and made some crucial recoveries during the game.
Borna Barisic: 7.5
Had timely overlapping runs but committed a few fouls in dangerous areas. Made an impact though with his free-kick, which led to Helander’s equaliser.
Steven Davis: 6.5
Tried to be in the right place at the right time. The home side was pressing high, forcing the veteran midfield maestro to sit back and operate from the deep areas. Could not match the pace but attuned to the tempo with his holding ability and long balls forward.
Joe Aribo: 7.5
His touches were heavy in the early minutes, and the link-up play was missing too. Improved his game massively after the break as he kept on closing down the red and whites’ runs with his high work ethics and relentless movement across the pitch. Was taken off to be replaced by Kemar Roofe for the final 10 minutes.
Glen Kamara: 6
Slavia’s press did not allow Kamara to play his usual game in terms of retaining possession and finding the right pass forward. Never had enough time on the ball to depict his technical traits and dominant display from the middle of the park. Made way for Bongani Zungu for the final few minutes.
Ianis Hagi: 7
Showed his spark and determination to keep the ball in and set it up for Helander who made it 1-1. Seemed isolated otherwise due to Patterson’s limited attacking involvement and was taken off around the hour-mark to make way for Scott Arfield.
Ryan Kent: 5.5
Had a disappointing first-half as he should have done more defensively to cover overlapping Barisic on many occasions. Almost earned the visitors a lead in the second half, but his strike was denied spectacularly by Ondřej Kolář. Had an underwhelming outing otherwise.
Alfredo Morelos: 7
Worked really hard to make his presence known. Never looked isolated high up the pitch as he tried really hard to create chances and pose threats on his own.
Rangers Substitutes Vs Slavia Praha
Scott Arfield: 6
Injected fresh legs in midfield to keep things under control with his experience and expertise.
Kemar Roofe: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Bongani Zungu: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
