Rangers clinch crucial Europa League knockout spot with victory

In Scotland, Rangers faced Union Saint-Gilloise in their final league-phase game of the Europa League, which took place at Ibrox Stadium. The match saw Rangers taking an early lead with Nicolas Raskin scoring his first goal of the season in the 20th minute. Following the halftime break, Vaclav Cerny extended their advantage with a second goal in the 55th minute. Despite Union SG responding late with a header from Kevin Mac Allister in the 83rd minute, Rangers managed to hold on for a 2-1 victory, consequently securing their place in the last 16 of the tournament. The victory proved vital as it allowed Rangers to finish eighth in the Europa League table, enabling them to bypass the playoff round altogether. Prior to this match, various results in other games were also crucial to Rangers’ success. After Nice equalized against Bodo-Glimt, Rangers confirmed their eighth place position due to favorable goal difference, showcasing a solid performance throughout the league phase. Rangers manager Philippe Clement praised the team's efforts and emphasized the importance of their victory. Moreover, Rangers showcased a strong performance against notable clubs in their league campaign, signaling a bright spot in a challenging season. Despite their domestic struggles, which saw them trailing behind their rivals Celtic, their consistent performance in European competitions has established them as a formidable opponent. The combination of their recent successes further highlights a growing confidence within the team. As Rangers prepare to face one of the teams from the playoffs—Bodo/Glimt, Anderlecht, FC Twente, or Fenerbahce—they look forward to their next European challenges. The knockout round will take place in March, where they aim to build upon their current momentum, carefully navigating through upcoming fixtures while striving for a deeper run in the Europa League.