The absence of Connor Goldson in the heart of defence handed Rangers a massive blow ahead of locking horns with Sparta Prague in the Europa League group stage contest. In spite of a promising start, the Light Blues conceded from a corner around the half-hour mark. They could not hit back during the next one hour and the controversial marching order of Glen Kamara ruined their night. Back to back defeats in Europe have now jeopardized Rangers’ knockout hopes.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 1-0 defeat against Sparta Prague.
Allan McGregor: 7
Made some astounding saves to keep the Gers relevant. Almost denied David Hancko’s header but the ball crossed the line as confirmed via the goalline technology.
James Tavernier: 7
Did not offer much going forward despite some marauding runs and crosses from the right-hand flank. Made some crucial recoveries to help his fellow defenders.
Leon Balogun: 7
Offered his physical and aerial supremacy inside the box. Was dispossessed a few times but his experience helped Calvin Bassey settle in as his central defensive partner. Should have done better in terms of passing accuracy while playing it out from the back.
Calvin Bassey: 6.5
Goldson’s absence saw the left fullback featuring as a makeshift centre-half. Had a nervy start but made his presence known with his timely clearances and recoveries.
Borna Barisic: 7.5
Was not only effective with his overlapping runs, crosses and cut insides but also exhibited his tackling and intercepting ability to break down the hosts’ attacks.
Steven Davis: 7
Was combative in the middle of the park. Tried to win back possession and orchestrate the show with his experience and vision. Did not offer much in terms of attacking transitions.
Juninho Bacuna: 6
His first start in Rangers colours ended in disappointment. The former Huddersfield Town midfielder was forced to leave the pitch late in the first half after picking up an injury. Ianis Hagi was brought in to replace the Curaçao international.
Glen Kamara: 6.5
Another controversial sending off against a Czech outfit. The second yellow looked harsh and his exit shattered Rangers’ comeback hopes late in the match. Was controlling the midfield game in the second half with his work rate and technical traits.
Joe Aribo: 7
Started the game brightly from the right-hand flank. His cut insides and swift footwork caused menace in Sparta defence. Faded off eventually, particularly after shifting as a wide midfielder following Bacuna’s injury exit.
Kemar Roofe: 6
Underwhelming from the attacker as he had little impact high up the pitch except for one great delivery into the path of Fashion Jr. Failed to pose any constant threat on Sparta defence and was eventually taken off midway through the second half for Alfredo Morelos. Made way for Lundstram during the final quarter of the fixture.
Fashion Sakala: 6.5
Looked lively as a ‘number 9’ with his pacy runs and directness. Had an effort on target early on, but the Zambian was well contained otherwise by the home side.
Rangers Substitutes Vs Sparta Prague
Ianis Hagi: 6
Tried to inject some creative spark from in and around the attacking third. Could not make any noteworthy contribution to salvage a point from this away tie.
Alfredo Morelos: 6
Tried to create chances on his own by playing his part in the attacking build-ups.
John Lundstram: 6
Was brought in minutes after Kamara’s dismissal.
