January 31, (THEWILL) – Nigerian forward Cyriel Dessers provided a crucial assist that saw Rangers advance to the Europa League round of 16 through a 2-1 victory against Union Saint-Gilloise at Ibrox Stadium. The triumph and Nice drawing 1-1 against Bodo/Glimt guaranteed Philippe Clement’s team direct progression beyond the play-off stage.
The opening goal arrived in the 20th minute when James Tavernier delivered an excellent cross from the left flank. Nico Raskin precisely met the ball, directing his header across the goalkeeper and into the net. Union Saint-Gilloise thought they had equalised through Franjo Ivanovic near the 30-minute mark, but video assistant referee intervention determined he stood in an offside position.
The Scottish side expanded their advantage in the 54th minute. Dessers created space before finding Vaclav Cerny, who finished with authority. Cerny nearly added another moments later, striking the woodwork from 25 yards out. The Belgian visitors reduced the deficit through Kevin Mac Allister, who headed home expertly with seven minutes remaining.
Rangers maintained their composure through five additional minutes, withstanding late pressure to confirm their place among Europe’s final sixteen teams. The result means Clement’s squad will bypass the additional fixtures of the play-off round.
The atmosphere at Ibrox Stadium remained electric throughout the evening, with supporters celebrating both the victory and the favourable outcome from the concurrent fixture between Nice and Bodo/Glimt.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
