It wasn’t the route it could’ve been, but Rangers defeat Progres 2-0 in the home leg of their Europa League Qualifying tie.
There are a lot of ways that this match could’ve gone differently, Rangers really ought to have put this tie all the way to bed before heading to Luxembourg with a total route but a combination of failing to capitalize good opportunities and Progres goalkeeper Sebastian Flauss having what had to be the night of his life making save after save.
Rangers did get the goal-scoring started early, in the 19th minute, new arrival Joe Aribo tried a shot from distance and put it into the net for his second goal in as many European games for Rangers. Progres, unsurprisingly, was in a deep defensive box from the outset and after Aribo beat the box with a moment of class it seemed as though that would open the floodgates towards a route as energy filled Ibrox.
It wasn’t to be. Flauss turned away chance after chance by Rangers and the first half ended 1-0.
The second half started much like the first, Rangers had clear control and got an early goal with Sheyi Ojo scoring a goal by slotting the goal to the low corner with excellent skill. The second goal relieved much of the tension at Ibrox, but it would not last. While the game was fairly comfortably in hand at that point, Rangers would not manage to get a 3rd goal despite many chances, including a rare miss at the penalty spot by skipper James Tavernier.
The real stress came in the form of a pair of excellent chances for Progres to put a goal of their own on the board. One in particular, which saw Progres get a free run on goal that they failed to capitalize on when Allan McGregor came out to meet them.
This match could’ve easily been very different, had Rangers been a little sharper or Flauss been a little less sharp this could’ve been a blowout, but if Progres make Rangers pay for what really should’ve been a critical mistake, the second leg would have a dangerous cloud looming over it.
As it is, Rangers can come away feeling comfortable, if disappointed, in the final score-line, while Progres will have to wonder “what if” about their missed opportunity to give themselves a great chance in the second leg to embarrass Rangers for a second time.
The second leg will still have the tie very much in the balance, altho if Rangers can manage a single goal early they would be able to relax a bit with a three-goal lead and the away goal, essentially ensuring that they would then have to lose by a full four goals in order to lose the tie.
That said, if Progres get an early goal it will be a tense game. Hopefully, Rangers can put their demons behind them and take care of business quickly and quietly.