Rangers Triumph in Thrilling Champions League Qualifier First Leg Against Servette: Tavernier and Dessers Shine!
Rangers seize control of Champions League dream, securing a tense 2-1 win against Servette A crucial first-leg victory propels them closer to the coveted group stage What lies ahead for the determined Scottish hosts?
Rangers made a crucial stride towards entering the Champions League group stage by securing a 2-1 triumph over Servette, who were reduced to 10 players, at Ibrox.
The home team's victory was thoroughly deserved, especially after their surprising defeat against Kilmarnock on Saturday. However, they may feel disappointed for not being able to completely dominate their weaker adversaries and seal the win in the first leg.
James Tavernier converted a penalty and Cyriel Dessers scored his first goal for Rangers to give Michael Beale's side a two-goal advantage in the opening 15 minutes. However, a handball committed by Dessers allowed Servette to get back into the game with a penalty. Despite David Douline receiving a second yellow card after an hour, Rangers squandered opportunities in the attacking third and were denied by an exceptional save from Joel Mall. As a result, they have a significant amount of work ahead of them for the upcoming match in Switzerland on Tuesday.
How Rangers claimed narrow first-leg advantage
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James Tavernier opened the scoring for Rangers from the penalty spot
The atmosphere at Ibrox was filled with optimism before the season opener last weekend due to the new signings in Beale's team and Ange Postecoglou's departure from Celtic. However, the humbling loss at Rugby Park increased the pressure on Rangers. They were aware that another defeat against Servette could potentially terminate their Champions League campaign before it commenced.
Fortunately for Beale, his side responded in kind and raced into the lead when Douline clumsily fouled Todd Cantwell, allowing captain Tavernier to slot in from the spot.
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Dessers quickly doubled the score with a seamless play initiated by John Souttar and finished by the striker who tapped in Borna Barisic's cross from the far post.
Nevertheless, the lack of smooth coordination that had previously hindered Rangers resurfaced, as Sam Lammers, a forward with nine goals in the past four seasons, missed a golden opportunity wide after a swift counter-attack.
Following a VAR review, Dessers was discovered to have handled the ball within his own area. This gave Servette, who had hardly taken any shots, the opportunity to equalize just before halftime thanks to the impressive performance of Chris Bedia.
Lammers, on the other hand, failed to capitalize on another opportunity to score his first goal for Rangers. However, this time he could blame Mall, the Servette goalkeeper, as he made an extraordinary reflex save to keep his team in the match.
Douline's second yellow card, resulting from another foul on Cantwell, failed to reignite Rangers. The only player who managed to trouble Mall was Dessers, as his low shot from a corner was deflected away by the goalkeeper.
As the Rangers supporters grew increasingly frustrated with each missed opportunity, Servette appeared content to leave Scotland with a mere one-goal defeat.
Rangers' next match is at home to Livingston in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday - kick-off 3pm.
What's next?
Michael Beale's side will then travel to Switzerland for the second leg of their Champions League third-round qualifier against Servette on Tuesday - kick-off 7.30pm.
