Rangers take vital Europa League points with 2-0 win over Brondby

Leon Balogun and Kemar Roofe fired Rangers to victory at Ibrox as the Scottish champions beat Brondby 2-0 in their Europa League clash.

Steven Gerrard had branded the game a “must-win” after defeats to Lyon and Sparta Prague and the manager saw his side beat their Danish opposition with something to spare.

Rangers took the lead after 18 minutes when Leon Balogun rose highest to power home a header from a James Tavernier corner.

The hosts doubled their lead after half an hour. Alfredo Morelos’ header was blocked by Brondby goalkeeper Thomas Mikkelsen but Kemar Roofe was on hand to knock the rebound over the line.

After an initial offside flag Roofe and Rangers were forced to wait through a lengthy VAR review before it was confirmed that the striker had been onside and the goal would stand.

After the break Rangers pushed to extend their lead and were unhappy not to be given a penalty when Joe Aribo appeared to be tripped in the box but this time VAR denied the Ibrox side.

Scott Arfield hit the bar and Fashion Sakala was denied while one on one with the keeper as Rangers looked to kill the game off but the hosts had to settle for a 2-0 win that sees them sit third in their group at the halfway stage.