Rangers were in the driver’s seat for a place in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals following a 3-0 first-leg victory against Red Star Belgrade. They had to defend the margin tonight in Serbia, but an early goal from the hosts added a stong to the tale.
Despite being aggressive and purposeful, the hosts failed to find the net at the start of the second half while an equaliser from Ryan Kent put the tie to bed. The Red-Whites converted from the spot in the stoppage time, but it was too late to script a comeback.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 2-1 defeat against Red Star Belgrade.
Allan McGregor: 8
Could have done little to stop Mirko Ivanic’s goal or Ben Naobuhane’s late spot-kick, but the 40-year-old custodian made an array of majestic saves after conceding early into the game. His excellence between the sticks helped the Gers maintain the upper hand in this return leg fixture.
James Tavernier: 6.5
Was effective down the right with his overlapping runs, crosses and attacking contribution. Had some nervy occasions in the defensive third, and a few final deliveries let him down.
Connor Goldson: 6.5
Made some crucial recoveries and no-nonsense clearances. But the English centre-half did not have the best of time against a desperate Red Star Belgrade attack all throughout the contest.
Leon Balogun: 6.5
Won a few duels, but the veteran Nigerian looked nervy at times while dealing with crosses, long balls and set pieces. Was a bit off-paced at times, particularly against the home side’s swift counter-attacking threats.
Calvin Bassey: 6
Did not offer much high up the pitch as his runs were restricted down the wide. Tried to help the defence by tracking back, but it didn’t help much. A lot of Red Star Belgrade’s attacks were originating from his end.
John Lundstram: 7.5
Combative and industrious in the middle of the park. Carried the ball forward from the deep to operate in the advanced areas. Also marshalled the backline with expertise. Made way for Borna Barisic with 10 minutes remaining.
Ryan Jack: 6.5
Was clumsy with his tackles. Misplaced a few passes while trying to open up space in the opponent’s midfield, but the Scotsman worked really hard to regain possession under pressure. Was replaced by James Sands midway through the second half.
Joe Aribo: 5.5
Not his best performance as a wide midfielder. Held the ball far too long only to be dispossessed repeatedly. His crosses were not accurate either and the gaffer Giovanni van Bronckhorst decided to take him off in favour of Scott Arfield.
Glen Kamara: 6.5
Set it up for Kent who did the rest to restore parity around the 56th-minute mark. Showed his technicality and smart footwork as an attacking playmaker. Attuned to his new role quite well thanks to his vision and creative spark. Conceded a silly penalty in the stoppage time.
Ryan Kent: 8.5
A constant threat down the left, Kent replicated his Ibrox display under difficult circumstances. Kept his calm to find the net and ensured a berth in the last 8 of the competition. Made way for Scott Wright in the closing minutes.
Alfredo Morelos: 7.5
Tested Milan Borjan between the sticks and a couple of other attempts missed the target. Looked lively inside the box but the gaffer was forced to take him off late in the match with a potential injury concern. Kemar Roofe replaced the Colombian in the attacking third.
Rangers Substitutes Vs Red Star Belgrade
Scott Arfield: 7
Was introduced to bring fresh legs and mobility in the middle of the park.
James Sands: 7
Was introduced to bring fresh legs and mobility in the middle of the park.
Kemar Roofe: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Borna Barisic: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Scott Wright: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
