Danilo in 3/10 shocker as Jack Butland shines – Rangers player ratings v Servette
Rangers had a poor first half but a spirited performance after the break ensured that they made it through in their Champions League third-round qualifier against Servette FC.
Dereck Kutesa handed the hosts the lead in Geneva on 22 minutes with a stunning strike after cutting in off the left-hand side and firing an effort past Jack Butland.
After a disappointing first half, Rangers responded well after the break and were quickly back on level terms when James Tavernier rose highest at the back post to head home on 50 minutes and ensure it ended 1-1 on the night, with the Gers winning 3-2 on aggregate.
Here, Ibrox News rates the Rangers players out of 10 for their performances in the European qualifier, as a number of players put in decent performances with one main standout.
Jack Butland – 8
Made two superb saves to keep Rangers in the game in the first half. He had no chance with Kutesa’s wonder strike but can be very pleased with his night as he is the main reason they made it through.
James Tavernier – 6
Had a tricky first half and was out of position for the Servette goal as he was too far in field and left his man free out wide. But he brought his side back into it after stealing in at the back post to bring them level on the night to ensure he turned up when it mattered.
Connor Goldson – 6
The centre-back could’ve perhaps got across quicker to block Kutesa from getting his shot away for the goal, but he had a decent game on the whole. His presence was felt in the second half as the Gers limited Servette to few opportunities.
John Souttar – 4
The defender had a bit of a shocker in the build-up to the hosts’ goal as he came out to try and win a long ball forward but missed the flight of it as it sailed over his head. He did okay after that.
Borna Barisic – 5
The left-back was out of position for a key moment in the first half, where he left his man to go free inside the box, but fortunately for him, it didn’t result in a second goal for the hosts. Put in a superb ball for the equaliser that swung the game in Rangers’ favour.
Jose Cifuentes (off for Dujon Sterling ’83) – 5
The new recruit started well and put an excellent ball in from the right to Danilo in the first half, but the forward missed the opportunity. He probably wasn’t involved as much as he would’ve liked despite putting in plenty of effort on the right-hand side of the midfield.
Ryan Jack – 6
The midfielder didn’t stand out too much, but he did his job and put in a solid performance in the second half to help steady the ship and get his side in control of the game.
Nicolas Raskin – 7
The Belgian was the pick of the Gers midfield. He had a reasonably quiet first half by his standards, but really stood out after the break as he created a couple of good opportunities. The midfielder had two decent efforts at goal, with the keeper tipping one of those shots over the bar.
Abdallah Sima (off for Lammers ’61) – 4
There was plenty of effort from the forward, but it wasn’t really his night as he had little impact on the game.
Todd Cantwell (off for Dowell ’90+5) – 5
Didn’t do too much in the first half, apart from being fouled on the edge of the box following a decent run as he advanced towards the opponent’s goal. He grew into it a bit more in the second half but would like to have had more of an impact over the course of the game.
Danilo (off for Dessers ’61) – 3
A fairly poor night from the new signing. The Brazilian missed a sitter in the first half and it probably won’t be a night he will want to remember. He struggled to lead the line, but it’s still early days in his Ibrox career.
Substitutes
Sam Lammers (on for Sima ’61) – 5
Did a job after coming on and was full of endeavour but wasn’t involved too much.
Cyriel Dessers (on for Danilo ’61) – 6
Looked bright after replacing Danilo with just under half an hour to play. Hit the post and had a header that went just over the bar.
Dujon Sterling (on for Cifuentes ’83) – N/A
Kieran Dowell (on for Cantwell ’90+5) – N/A
In other Rangers news, the club have been urged to sign a winger that would provide something different to Michael Beale’s squad.