Rangers Draw In Warsaw Against Legia

Rangers went to Warsaw to face Legia Warsaw in the first leg of their Europa League Playoff and drew 0-0.

In what was a closely contested match, both sides failed to score in the first leg of the Europa League Playoff between Rangers and Legia Warsaw.

Legia proved their reputation of being a tough-minded physical squad that have excellent defensive shape. Rangers did have some good chances, including one that sprung Alfredo Morelos into the clear, but he failed to capitalize. Warsaw have excellent defensive shape and proved to be too tough of a nut to crack.

For their part, Rangers also defended exceptionally well and the few chances that Legia did get were half-chances that they failed to capitalize on. Allan McGregor was sure-handed when he was called into action, and Rangers have still never trailed in a qualifying match under Steven Gerrard.

While Rangers looked like they were probably the stronger side, there is real worry heading into the second leg. Rangers should have the advantage at home, but if Warsaw manage a goal they will have the away goal advantage which will make things very difficult. There is a good chance that Rangers really regret not getting one in Warsaw.

Legia also, for what its worth, did all that they could to slow the match down and muck it up. They went down at the slightest contact, took their time at every dead-ball, and when they fouled they fouled hard.

Rangers will have a match against St. Mirren in the Premiership this Sunday before what is a hugely important weekend as they host the second leg of the Playoff and then face Celtic in the season’s first Old Firm.