Rangers edge closer to Champions League group stages | OneFootball

Rangers are one step closer to qualifying for the Champions League proper after holding off a fierce fightback from a determined Servette in Geneva.

Scorers: Kutesa 22′; Tavernier 50′.

Rangers had started the better of the two sides but fell behind courtesy of a stunning curling effort from Dereck Kutesa, who found the top corner from just inside the area after the visitors had failed to deal with a long ball.

Danilo spurned a golden opportunity to equalise around the half hour mark when he was picked out by Jose Cifuentes’ inviting cross but the Brazilian somehow put the ball over the bar from six yards out with the goal gaping.

Servette had the chance to move ahead on aggregate just before half-time when Kutesa found himself bearing down on goal again but this time was denied by Jack Butland from a tight angle when a pass to a teammate perhaps would’ve been the better option.

The second half was a different story for Michael Beale’s side as they took control of the tie, and James Tavernier was on hand to to grab the pivotal goal five minutes after the restart.

Borna Barišić’s deep cross found the head of the Rangers captain at the back post who nodded into the back of the net to turn the advantage into the favour of the Scottish Premiership side.

Rangers took control of the game from then on with Cyriel Dessers missing the chance to put the game beyond doubt when he hit the post from close range.

Rangers have now qualified for the final playoff round where they will face PSV,  and are two games away from the Champions League group stage.