Rangers vs Real Betis player ratings as Thursday night Lundstram shows up
Rangers kicked off their Europa League campaign in style with an impressive 1-0 victory at home to La Liga outfit Real Betis.
The recent low confidence from matches with PSV and Celtic fed into the beginning of this one, as the away side dominated the ball for the first half hour of the match, with Michael Beale’s side struggling to maintain any composure on the ball.
It was only towards the end of the first period that Rangers starting getting brave in possession and pass the ball about on the deck from back to front. Funnily enough, this helped see them boss the rest of the match, with the goal coming in the 67th minute with Ben Davies bundling the ball home following a well-worked corner.
Jack Butland had to make a few smart stops towards the end as Rangers hung in, but in the end, the win and three points was more than they deserved as Beale finally got a win in a big match as manager.
With that being said, here are our player ratings from Rangers vs Real Betis
Jack Butland – 8
A superb finger tip stop in the first period helped keep Rangers in it when they were struggling, with two or three smart saves late in securing the win.
Looks like he’s been here for years.
James Tavernier – 7
Targeted by Betis in the first half but came on to a game along with the rest of his team mates.
Good ball in that led to the goal but crossing wasn’t quite on point.
Connor Goldson – 7
Beaten for pace a few times early on but managed to cover for Tavernier well when he was struggling.
Solid.
Ben Davies – 8
The match winner went a way to proving his doubters wrong with an accomplished display here.
Swept up well any time Betis got in behind and looked better in the physical aspect of the game than he had at any point in his Rangers career.
Borna Barisic – 7
Did nothing spectacular but helped keep the door shut and, strangely for him, dealt with everything at the back stick.
Link up with Matondo wasn’t there but defensively sound.
Jose Cifuentes – 7
Took his time to get into the match as Rangers struggled to get a foot hold but grew into the match as the side began to keep the ball better.
Began to show some much needed composure on the ball that could be important this season.
John Lundstram – 8
What is it with this man whenever he hears the Europa League theme tune.
Probably Lundstram’s best performance in a Rangers jersey since Leipzig as he drove the time forward and played a big part in keeping Isco quiet.
A few heavy touches near his own box put the defence under pressure at times, but didn’t play safe for the first time in months.
Abdallah Sima – 6
Struggled to keep possession which led to the team being put under pressure in first period.
Will claim the goal and also had a couple of decent deliveries into the box but overall, a quiet night.
Tom Lawrence – 7
Looked to be the one Rangers player trying to make something happen on the ball in the opening 30 minutes and was unlucky with a mazzy run late in the half.
Hit post second half as he began to keep control of the game. Subbed after an hour as precaution with what looked to be cramp.
Rabbi Matondo – 6
Should have put his side ahead after five minutes but couldn’t get the ball out his feet.
His pace in behind caused Betis problems although his decision making let him down at times on the night.
Kemar Roofe – 7
Led the line well as he looks to have built up a good relationship with Lawrence.
Denied a goal before Davies scored by a fine stop by Bravo but put himself about and always offered himself up for a pass.
Subs
Sam Lammers – 7: An impactful appearance from the bench from the Dutchman in his preferred central role
Ryan Jack – 6
Cyriel Dessers – 4
Dujon Sterling – 4