It looked as though it could have been a long night for Rangers fans in Geneva as their side were looking ropey as their first leg advantage was wiped in the first period of tonight’s second leg Champions League third round qualifier.
However, thanks to a tactical adjustment from manager Michael Beale and a general increase in energy and endeavour from the away side, they managed to level the match through James Tavernier and come away with a 1-1 draw and a 3-2 victory on aggregrate.
PSV now await as Rangers are now two matches from the group stage, but for now, progress continues for this revamped side, even if it comes coming at a slower rate than what we’d like.
Some signings are taking a bit longer to adjust, whilst others looked as though they’ve been at the club for years, and that showed in the performances against Servette.
So here are our player ratings from the secong leg of Rangers vs Servette.
Jack Butland – 8
A game changing performance from the Rangers Number 1 as he made a world class point blank save early on before preventing another from a Servette counter late in the first half.
Game would be have dead at half time if not for the England international, who is looking every bit a Rangers goalkeeper
James Tavernier – 6
Despite performing goal scoring heroics in Europe once again, the captain remains suspect defensively again, with the majority of Servette’s attacking threat coming down his flank.
Passing also looking off and could be helped by being given a rest against Morton on Saturday.
Connor Goldson – 6
Still not looking quite up to match fitness just yet and that showed in the first half as he toiled covering up for Tavernier on several occasions.
Did what was needed of him more in the second period.
John Souttar – 6
Having impressed in the first leg last week, Souttar was guilty of trying to win a ball he shouldn’t have for the Servette goal.
Didn’t let it bother him too much though as he stuck to task in second half, but better is expected from the Scot given recent displays.
Borna Barisic – 6
Probably the pick of the defenders in the first half as he made a couple of solid tackles to prevent Servette getting a ball into the box.
Terrific cross to set up Tavernier for the goal.
Ryan Jack – 6
Offered very little protection to the defence in that first half period when Servette lay seige to the Rangers goal.
Kept things tidy in the second period, but not a performance he will look back fondly at.
Nico Raskin – 8
Tasked with playing slightly further forward in the midfield again and was often the more advantage of the central four. Few flicks in first half that didn’t quite pay off.
Second half he was superb though, showing amazing energy to get Rangers up the field and battling hard to win the ball all over the pitch.
Jose Cifuentes – 7
Looks a right find of a player. Always looking to retrieve possession at the first opportunity and not afraid to have a pop at goal.
Looked to have went off with cramp late in the game but could be vital this season.
Todd Cantwell – 7
Showed a lot more industry than creativity than he normally would, but put in a great shift from a defensive point of view in the second half to help Rangers over the line.
Abdallah Sima – 6
Struggled to make any sort of impact in the first period as the front line looked starved of service in the first half.
Looked more lively in the second before being replaced by Lammers on the hour.
Danilo – 5
Will undoubtly have better evenings in a Rangers shirt, but his sitter of a miss in the first half really summed up a frustrating match for the Brazilian.
Hopefully he can bounce back quickly at the weekend but not one for his highlight reel.
Subs
Cyriel Dessers – 4
Sam Lammers – 4
Dujon Sterling – 3
Kieran Dowell – 2