{"remix_data":[],"remix_entry_point":"challenges","source_tags":[],"origin":"unknown","total_draw_time":0,"total_draw_actions":0,"layers_used":0,"brushes_used":0,"photos_added":0,"total_editor_actions":{},"tools_used":{},"is_sticker":false,"edited_since_last_sticker_save":false,"containsFTESticker":false}
“He’s the most biggest ASSET for the team, his strength and obviously his aerial duels where absolutely incredible with super performance even at internationals in Scotland”- Tavernier highlighted a key Rangers teammate during his post-match comments, praising their qualities that make them “a big asset” to the team after the win over USG.
Rangers had even more reason to celebrate on a memorable Thursday night at Ibrox, as they not only secured a 2-1 victory over Union Saint Gilloise but also earned a spot in the last-16 of the Europa League.
Thanks to goals from Nico Raskin and Vaclav Cerny either side of halftime, Rangers defeated their Belgian opponents and edged past Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt to claim a place among the top eight.
This achievement also earned Philippe Clement’s side a bye into the next round.
After navigating the first phase without the defensive strength of John Souttar, who missed the defeat to Manchester United due to injury and was only fit for the bench against Union Saint Gilloise, Rangers are set to have their best center-back available for the next European challenge.
Provided Souttar avoids a recurrence of the injury that sidelined him for 12 matches since December, he should be ready to start.
Souttar made his long-awaited return in the final 30 minutes of the win over Union Saint Gilloise, his first appearance in six weeks.
Despite being limited to a cameo role after Leon King’s early exit, which saw James Tavernier fill in at center-half, Souttar’s return was a huge relief for the team, especially for Tavernier.
Tavernier, who had impressed in the center, particularly in the match against Manchester United, was eager to return to his natural right-back position with Souttar’s comeback.
“He’s a big asset for the team,” Tavernier said after the match. “His leadership, strength, and aerial ability have been invaluable. He’s been a big miss, and I’m really happy he’s back.”
Rangers had conceded 15 goals in Souttar’s absence, with set-piece vulnerabilities particularly evident.
This issue resurfaced in the first half against USG when a ball into the box saw Tavernier and Robin Propper fail to deal with it, but an offside call denied the visitors a goal.
Despite only playing a third of the available minutes, Souttar made more clearances than anyone except Tavernier.
However, he couldn’t prevent Kevin Mac Allister from scoring a late consolation goal in the 83rd minute.
“We conceded the header, which we know we should’ve dealt with better, but I’m happy we held on,” Tavernier said. “At the end of the game, Vaclav told us we sneaked into the top eight. We’ve done well and deserve it. European football is getting tougher, but we’re pleased with our progress.”
Clement had been forced to use players in unfamiliar defensive roles, with McCausland filling in as a full-back until Souttar’s return.
“We’re absolutely delighted [to progress],” McCausland said. “When the draw came out, people probably doubted us, but we’ve proved them wrong. It shows the quality in our squad. We just wanted to win, and now we’ve put ourselves in a great position.”
When asked about the future, McCausland was confident: “Yeah, we can definitely reach the final. 100 percent.”
