Steven Davis gave Rangers a lifeline in their Champions League qualifier against Malmo, losing 2-1. Rangers had the better of the chances with Ryan Kent being the most influential player on the pitch. They did not capitalize on the early pressure and the match went into halftime goalless.
Rangers were stunned early in the second half when Soren Reiks scored in the 47th minute. Veljko Birmancevic who got the assist for the first goal then doubled the host’s lead two minutes later. Rangers tried their best to halve the deficit and were rewarded when steven Davis scored with literally the last kick of the game.
Player ratings
Malmo: Dahlin (6), Moisander (6), Rieks (7), Lewicki (6), Colak (6), Christiansen (7), Ahemdhodzic (6), Birmancevic, (7) Innocent (5), Nielsen (5), Berget (5).
Subs used: Nalic (5), Abubakari (n/a), Beijmo (n/a), Rakip (n/a).
Rangers: McGregor (6), Tavernier (7), Goldson (7), Helander (6), Barisic (6), Davis (6), Lundstram (6), Arfield (7), Wright (8), Kent (8), Itten (5).
Subs used: Sakala (6).
Man of the match: Ryan Kent.
Managers reaction
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard: “I’m disappointed with the results and the couple of goals we’ve conceded. But there’s been a big moment at the end of that game which is has gone in our favor. It’s a big moment and sets things up for next week.” he added after his Rangers side lost to Malmo. “It’s not the position we wanted to be in, but it’s better than going in [to the second leg] at 2-0, and we were also on the verge of maybe going even worse as well. Injury time was very big for us, but over the 90 minutes, it hasn’t been enough.”
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