Rangers qualify for knockout stages of Europa League

Rangers have reached the last 32 of the Europa League with a 3-2 win over Standard Liege in their group stage game at Ibrox.

Steven Gerrard’s side came from a goal behind to win against the Belgian side and qualify for the knockout stages with a game to spare.

Rangers went into the match with an unbeaten record this season but were quickly put to the test when Standard took the lead.

Duje Cop fired in a low cross that was met by Maxime Lestienne at the near post and he knocked the ball past Allan McGregor on the Rangers goalkeeper’s record-breaking 83rd European game for the club.

Rangers fought to get back into the game but were missing the fluidity that has marked their performances so far this season. On 39 minutes they got reward for their efforts though, drawing level through Connor Goldson.

The central defender rose highest to meet Borna Barisic’s corner and he headed into the opposite corner of the goal.

Moments later, Standard were ahead again. Collins Fai got free on the right and whipped in a cross that Cop bundled in before crashing into the post himself.

Rangers looked to be going in behind at the break but were given an opportunity to equalise when a Kemar Roofe strike hit Lestienne. The referee ruled that the Standard player had used his hand and James Tavernier smashed in the resulting penalty.

Both sides had opportunities in the second half but it was Rangers who struck the decisive blow. Glen Kamara picked out Ryan Kent on the left and the winger cut the ball back for Arfield who showed composure to finish from distance.

Rangers will play Lech Poznan in the final group game with a place in the knockout stages already secured.

More to follow…