Sam Stone

Tue 9 August 2022 21:53, UK

It was another famous European night at Ibrox as Rangers kept their hopes of reaching the Champions League group stage alive after a 3-0 victory over Royale Union Saint-Gilloise at Ibrox.

James Tavernier’s first-half penalty was followed by second-half goals from Antonio Colak and Malik Tillman as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side overturned their 2-0 first-leg deficit.

It was an excellent performance by the Gers and here Ibrox News has rated the players out of ten for their performances at Ibrox.

Jon Mclaughlin – 5

Had very little to do all night with the side from Belgium reluctant to go forward at any point in the match. Sold James Sands very short with a pass in the second period.

James Tavernier – 7

A goal for the Gers captain as he started from where he left off for Rangers in Europe. Tucked away a composed penalty in the first half and a great run in behind to help set up Antonio Colak’s goal in the second half. Relationship with Tillman still developing but could be an exciting partnership on the right.

Connor Goldson – 4

Not his best performance. Gave the ball away too often and looked a bit relaxed at times, and considering the importance of the game, he needed to have more urgency.

James Sands – 8

Despite a first-half yellow card, Sands was probably the pick of the defenders for the Gers. There wasn’t much to do for the Gers defensively but the American made life hard for the Belgium side going forward and made a number of strong and aggressive tackles. Played with good intent throughout.

Borna Barisic – 7

Good early crosses were key in winning the penalty on the stroke of halftime. His free-kick in the second half proved to be a vital moment as Tillman headed home. Was untroubled defensively throughout. Needed to overlap and gamble more in the second period.

Tom Lawrence – 9 (Man of the match)

Top class performance from Lawrence with the former Derby man looking completely at home in a Rangers shirt. Should’ve had an assist after a superb delivery in the first half which saw Colak’s header saved. Grew into the game and his wonderful pass helped set up Antonio Colak’s goal. Not afraid to take a risk, which was exactly what was needed in a game like this. A pleasure to watch him this evening. He gets what it means to play at Ibrox.

John Lundstram – 6

Quiet night for Lundstram but complimented Lawrence well and allowed for the former Derby man to drive forward at will. Will feel he could’ve done better with a second-half strike from the edge of the box. Some sloppy moments but an overall solid performance from the midfielder.

Scott Arfield – 5

This wasn’t a game that the Rangers midfielder managed to impact as much as he had hoped. Union sitting back for the entirety of the affair, he probably wasn’t required alongside Lundstram and Lawrence. Arfield being replaced in the 63rd minute by Matondo displayed that Rangers could’ve gone more attacking from the outset.

Malik Tillman – 8

Found the decisive moment with his towering header to make it 3-0. Tillman clearly is a talented player and is destined for big things at Ibrox, but his rawness is still there for all to see. He needs to work on his decision-making at times, but he did show moments of quality and was causing plenty of problems on the right wing. Furthermore, his relationship with Tavernier is certainly developing. Needs to change up his game and take the ball inside more often. Expect the unexpected from the 20-year-old.

Antonio Colak – 7

Excellent effort in the ninth minute after a set piece from Tavernier. He should’ve scored in the 27th minute after a delightful free-kick from Lawrence. The first touch did let him down at times, particularly at the start of the second half when he received the ball in a promising position in the Union box. Great poaching instinct for his goal in the second half.

Ryan Kent – 6

He was Rangers’ main attacking outlet in the first half but faded slightly in the second period. Some lovely touches at times, but just could quite make the attacking breakthrough. Rangers are certainly a better side when Kent is involved.

Substitutions

Rabbi Matondo (on for Arfield, 63′) – 5

Ben Davies (on for Sands, 78′) – 5

Alfredo Morelos (on for Colak, 78′) – 5

Glen Kamara (on for Lawrence 87′) – N/A

In other Rangers news, Celtic and the Gers are at loggerheads over a record-breaking SPFL midfielder and a bid for him has already been tabled.