Five things learned as Rangers bow out of Europa League group stage

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Rangers were knocked out of the Europa League following their 1-0 defeat to Rapid Vienna.

Steven Gerrard’s side needed a win to finish second in their group ahead of Rapid and enjoyed the better possession but it was the home side who took the lead with five minutes to go.

Following a poor clearance by Allan McGregor, Dejan Ljubicic scored the only goal of the game after a neat one-two with Christoph Knasmüllner.

Here are five things we learned as Rangers’ European journey came to an end.

1. Rangers’ poor away record lets them down again

Rangers won just one game in the Europa League group stage, the 3-1 victory over Thursday night’s opponents Rapid Vienna in matchday two.

Steven Gerrard’s men may have also lost just one game, but it came last time out in Russia against Spartak Moscow and meant Rangers had it all to play for against Rapid Vienna.

But it hasn’t just been the case this season, including qualifiers, Rangers have won just one of their last 20 away games in European competition with the sole victory coming in this season’s qualifying round.

Of those 20 matches, 11 have been draws with seven defeats including Thursday’s game in Austria.

Gerrard may be building a bright future at Rangers, but he has his work cut out for him over the next few years if he is to turn around the poor away form.

2. Alfredo Morelos’ reputation is worldwide

Alfredo Morelos is a good promising forward and is showing his ability in the Scottish Premiership, leading the way with nine goals so far.

However, the Colombian has built somewhat of a bad reputation for indiscipline, with three red cards already across all competitions for Rangers this season.

And it appears this reputation has reached Austria with Rapid Vienna looking to rile the forward with tough tackles to try and force a reaction.

In the first half, Morelos was on the end of a bad tackle from Andrei Ivan in the middle of the pitch, for which the Romanian was booked, but the Rangers man did not let the treatman affect his game.

After half-time the Colombian’s effect waned and he slipped in and out of the game for large parts, ending the match with just one shot on goal.

3. Rapid Vienna’s home defence sends them through

Rapid Vienna may have conceded nine goals in the Europa League group stages this season, but they have all come away from home – including three against Rangers at Ibrox.

At home, the Austrian side have been an immovable object, keeping clean sheets against Spartak Moscow, Villarreal and now Rangers.

And it was the perfect defensive showing for Rapid Vienna, who went into the game knowing they would be through to the last-32 with a clean sheet.

Rangers enjoyed the better possession but Rapid ensured any chances the Scottish side got were minimal, cutting out service before it got to their area.

The centre-back pairing of Mateo Barac and Maximilian Hofmann did well to nullify the attacking threat of Morelos while also heading away any crosses which did make their way through.

But luck was also on their side with James Tavernier’s shot being saved by Richard Strebinger, with the rebound not bouncing to a Rangers boot as it so easily could have.

4. Glenn Middleton shows a promising future for Rangers

The first half in Vienna was not the best display of attacking football, with neither side truly troubling their opposition defences – none of the five shots taken hit the target, with Connor Goldson going closest with a header hitting the crossbar.

But Rangers did enjoy some luck down the left, with Glenn Middleton causing Mert Muldur serious problems with his pace and dribbling ability, constantly looking to get to the byline before pulling back for a team-mate.

Though there was no end product from the 18-year-old, Middleton showed why he has been trusted with six starts across all competitions so far this season, with Steven Gerrard obviously seeing something in him.

The teenager created one chance on the night, while also completing both of his attempted take-ons.

5. Lack of strength in depth lets Rangers down

Having watched a poor first half in Austria, Rapid Vienna manager Dietmar Kuhbauer knew something needed to change or his side would have been in danger of dropping out of the Europa League.

The Austrian was able to call upon Christoph Knasmüllner, Dejan Ljubicic and Philipp Schobesberger to change up his side’s attacking options and it worked perfectly with two combining for the only goal of the game.

But, in the other dugout, Gerrard had few options who could provide as big an affect as his counterpart with Kyle Lafferty and Eros Grezda coming on.

Lafferty had been the hero in the first group stage match, rescuing a 2-2 draw with Villarreal, but the Northern Irish striker was given just 11 minutes to make an impact against a defence which had frustrated Rangers all night.

Gerrard has to take some blame for the poor timing of his changes, but the former England midfielder may point at the lack of options for his decisions.

The post Five things learned as Rangers bow out of Europa League group stage appeared first on Squawka News.



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