Full Time: FK Shkupi 0-0 Rangers (0-2 on aggregate)
Rangers safely negotiated their way into the second qualifying round of the Europa League, as they secured a 2-0 aggregate victory over Macedonian outfit FK Shkupi, following a goalless draw in the second leg in Skopje.
Going into the game with a two-goal advantage following their victory at the Ibrox Stadium last week, Steven Gerrard’s men put in a professional, if not a spectacular display to achieve safe passage through to the next stage of the competition, where they will face either Osijek or CS Petrocub.
Here’s how the Rangers stars fared on the day against the Macedonians.
Rangers Player Ratings
Allan McGregor – 8/10
Showed why he should be the No.1 ahead of Wes Foderingham, with a dominant display in goal. Was alert whenever needed and his late save to deny the home team in a one-on-one was a standout moment.
James Tavernier – 7/10
Led by example once again, putting in a solid and reliable display at right-back. Curbed his natural attacking instincts and defended with purpose and composure.
Connor Goldson – 8/10
The 25-year-old new signing is swiftly earning a reputation for himself after another solid display in the heart of the defence. Unbeatable in the air, strong in the tackles, hardly troubled.
Nikola Katic – 7/10
After a rather nervy display in the first leg at Ibrox, the 21-year-old Croatian looked much more comfortable and composed this time out.
Jon Flanagan – 7/10
Wasn’t as adventurous going forward as he was last time out at home. Did his defensive duties with minimum fuss as the Gers secured another clean sheet.
Ross McCrorie – 6/10
Looked a bit out of pace and his distribution was off the mark on quite a few occasions. An off day for the youngster, who had some fitness troubles just prior to the game.
Ryan Jack – 6/10
Starting in place of the injured Scott Arfield, the Scotsman did not start off well but improved as time wore on. Kept it simple in the middle of the park.
Daniel Candeias – 5/10
Returning to his natural position in the attack, the Portuguese failed to stretch the opposition defence and when he did get into dangerous positions, the end product was lacking.
Jamie Murphy – 7/10
Another lively performance from the former Brighton & Hove Albion star. The Scottish attacker asked questions of the Shkupi defence with his movement and looked the most likely to do some damage in the final third.
Josh Windass – 6/10
Another mixed outing for the former Accrington Stanley man. Forced the Shkupi goalkeeper into a couple of fine saves but received a needless booking that saw him get replaced.
Alfredo Morelos – 4/10
The Colombian forward looked out of sorts against the Macedonians. Never really looked like he would get going. Disappointing.
Substitutes
Glenn Middleton – 6/10
Looked lively and vibrant after coming on to replace Windass just after the hour mark. Should have broken the deadlock but missed.
Ovie Ejaria – 6/10
On for Candeias with under twenty minutes left to be played. Sprightly cameo.
Andy Halliday – N/A
A late substitute for Murphy.
Here’s how the fans reacted to the result.
"We will have to improve" and "a lack of quality in the final third". Wise words there from our Manager.
— colin morrison (@como73twitt) July 17, 2018
Announce another striker
— Teddybearrtid (@william_wallace) July 17, 2018
Sell morelos please 👍
— James 🇬🇧 (@Ge55ard1) July 17, 2018
Osijek beat PSV last year in the qualifiers, if we play like that against them then we are going to get fucking demolished…
— Kanesy (@Kanesy_99) July 17, 2018
Would have rathered a win…..but hey, we’re through and that’s the main thing. #Letsgo
— Highlandinho (@highlandinho) July 17, 2018
— ysklaw (@ysk1aw) July 17, 2018
Sadiq better be good or else we need a new striker lads
— Connor🃏 (@connorstrang72_) July 17, 2018
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