Rangers 3 Standard Liege 2: Steven Gerrard’s men continue sparkling form as thrilling comeback win seals knockout spot
RANGERS have qualified for the Europa League last 32 for the second season in a row after winning a five-goal thriller at Ibrox.
The 3-2 victory over Standard Liege sees the Light Blues into the knockout stages as they secure European football after Christmas once again.
The Belgian’s twice took the lead at Ibrox only to be pegged back before Scott Arfield grabbed the winner as Steven Gerrard’s men extended their long unbeaten run in all competitions.
The home side got off to the worst possible start with the visitors taking the lead after just six minutes.
A superb ball into the danger area presented Maxime Lestienne with golden opportunity and he made no mistake as he beat Allan McGregor – on his record breaking night – from close range.
The visitors looked very confident in the early exchanges as they moved the ball around well and continued to put pressure on the home defence with Gerrard’s men struggling to put together any real rhythm.
Rangers’ first effort at goal didn’t arrive until after 30 minutes but Ryan Kent’s shot from the edge of the box went well wide.
Alfredo Morelos then had the Light Blues’ first shot on target a few minutes later after a lovely flick from Scott Arfield but it was a simple save from Arnaud Bodart.
Liege continued to look dangerous on the break with plenty of pace in their attacking play as the Scottish Premiership leaders went on the hunt for a leveller.
And it arrived with six minutes of the first-half to play.
Rangers turn it around!
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Scott Arfield connects with Ryan Kent's cut back to drive it home#UEL pic.twitter.com/wwKiPG21d5
Borna Barisic – who is always a danger from set-pieces – whipped in a corner to the back post area and Connor Goldson was on hand to head across goal with a superb finish.
However, just 46 seconds later the visitors were back in front.
Another stunning attacking cross into the box was missed by Leon Balogun and Duje Cop was on hand at the back post to knock the ball into an empty net.
The Standard man took a sore one as he collided with the post and was substituted at half-time.
Arfield had a half-chance to bring Gerrard and Co level just two minutes later but his half-volley flew high over the bar.
Right on the stroke of half-time Rangers were presented with a huge opportunity to level once again from the penalty spot after Kemar Roofe’s goal-bound effort was handled.
James Tavernier stepped up and fired home from 12-yards to grab his second goal in the group stages and his 15th of the season.
Like the first-half Standard started brightly and threatened with a couple of early crosses into the Rangers box but the Ibrox side stood firm.
McGregor – who has made countless big saves for Rangers in his time at the club – made another as he denied Abdoul Tapsoba with his legs.
Rangers’ first real chance of the second period arrived after the hour and what a great move it was.
An excellent passage of play involving Kamara and Kent ended up with the latter playing an excellent cut-back to Arfield – who was on hand to expertly guide the ball into the bottom corner with a first time finish.
Tavernier then went close to his second of the game but his free-kick from 20-yards was pushed away by the visiting goalkeeper.
Bodart then pulled off an incredible save from a Barisic free-kick to keep his side in the game at Ibrox.
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He then denied Goldson his second of the match with another smart stop.
Roofe had the chance to put the icing on the cake for the hosts with five minutes remaining but that man Bodart was on hand again to pull off another excellent save.
The visitors – who needed to win to keep hopes of reaching the next stage alive – tried to find a way back into the game but were unable to break down the home defence.
Next up for Gerrard and Co is Lech Poznan with top spot in the section up for grabs with both Rangers and Benfica sitting on 11 points.