RANGERS will be SEEDED for the Europa League last 32 after picking up a 2-0 win over Lech Poznan.
Steven Gerrard’s much-changed side went into the game knowing they would be assured of top spot in the group as long as they matched Benfica’s result due to their head-to-head record over the Portuguese giants.
Cedric Itten scored a cracker to set Rangers on way to victory
The striker left the Poznan keeper helpless with this rocketCredit: AFP
And a superb goal from Cedric Itten and a close range header from Ianis Hagi made sure the Light Blues will avoid some of Europe’s big hitters in the first knockout round of the competition.
Benfica drew 2-2 in their game against Standard Liege to make the group table look even sweeter for the Ibrox faithful.
Victory also sees Rangers extend their long unbeaten run in all competitions this season and end the group stage campaign with four wins and two draws.
Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun, Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo were the only players to retain their spot from the 4-0 win over Ross County as Gerrard handed out much needed minutes to a number of his fringe-men.
The Ibrox boss hinted at changes in the build-up to the game with Dundee United in the Premiership at Tannadice in just three days.
Jon McLaughlin, who replaced Allan McGregor in goal, was forced into an early save as he kept out Pedro Tiba’s effort.
Rangers stopper Goldson gets stuck inCredit: Reuters
The home side had a big chance to open the scoring after 15 minutes but Lubomir Satka headed over the bar from close-range.
Rangers enjoyed a good spell of possession just before the half hour mark as they looked to create their first real chance at goal after an early long-range effort in the opening minutes of the game from Bongani Zungu.
Cedric Itten had a half chance after collecting a ball from Nathan Patterson but his effort was well blocked by the home defence.
But just moments later the striker hit a superb opener for the visitors.
Zungu impressed for Rangers in midfieldCredit: Reuters
The striker went on a driving run into the Poznan box before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
Ianis Hagi was inches away from doubling Rangers’ advantage three minutes before half-time but his strike took a slight nick as it just went passed the right-hand post.
The Romanian had a chance inside the opening five minutes of the second period but his tame effort was easily gathered by Filip Bednarek.
Itten then done well to hold off a defender but was unable to steer his header on target as the Light Blues dominated the opening exchanges.
Rangers star Scott Arfield puts a challenge inCredit: Reuters
McLaughlin was forced into his first save of the second half on 56 minutes when he did well to push away a dangerous Tymoteusz Puchacz free-kick.
With 20 minutes to play Rangers double their advantage and made sure of the victory and top spot in the group.
A Borna Barisic free-kick was met by Goldson but his header came off the underside of the bar but Hagi was on hand to head home from inches out.
Moments later the Romania international went close once again from distance. A fine piece of skill top drop the shoulder presented him with the chance to have a strike at goal but his effort was well saved.
Rangers looked to add a third late on with Alfredo Morelos claiming for a penalty five minutes from time but the referee waved away the protests.
Rangers fan’s incredible Gers-themed home bar built in shed during lockdown
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
