Brilliant Katic, Outstanding Jack – The best and the worst rated Rangers stars vs NK Osijek

Full Time: Rangers 1-1 Osijek

Rangers progressed to the third round of their UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign, after beating Croatian outfit NK Osijek 2-1 on aggregate over two legs.  

The Gers came into the game with an upper hand, having won the first leg 1-0 last week. And after a goalless first period, Steven Gerrard’s man doubled their advantage courtesy of a Nikola Katic goal eight minutes into the second period.  

Osijek did manage to pull a goal back in the 89th minute and reinstate parity on the night, but it was all a little too late for the visitors, as Rangers held on to go through to the next round on aggregate. 

Here’s how the Gers stars fared on the night.

Rangers Player Ratings

Allan McGregor – 7/10

Made a great block to deny Robert Mudrazija in a one-on-one situation, before pulling off a stunning double save to keep out Ezekiel Henty and Petar Bockaj.

James Tavernier – 7/10

The visitors looked to hit the Gers from his flank but Tavernier held his own defensively and delivered a great free-kick leading to the goal in the second half.  

Connor Goldson – 8/10

Another exceptional display from the new man. Was alert to the threat posed by Henty and defended with great calm and composure. His usage of the ball was another strong feature.  

Nikola Katic – 8/10

Started off with a crunching tackle, which set the tone for a solid, aggressive and no-nonsense display at the back. Headed home the all-important goal in the second period.  

Jon Flanagan – 6.5/10

The former Liverpool man was given a tough test by Bockaj out on the left-hand side but managed to keep the threat under wraps on most occasions.  

Ryan Jack – 8/10

Played a great ball through to set Alfredo Morelos up for a chance in the first period, following which he had a shot saved. Helped his team control things in the middle and was defensively solid.

Lassana Coulibaly – 6/10

Came close to scoring from a set-piece situation in the first half. Worked hard, kept hassling and harrying the opponents in the middle. Faded with time.

Daniel Candeias – 7/10

Put in a real shift down the right flank, offering cover for Tavernier against the dangerous Barisic, while also acting as an attacking outlet. Was subbed off to a great ovation from the supporters.

Ovie Ejaria – 6.5/10

Operating in behind the striker, the on-loan Liverpool man showed glimpses of quality but was found wanting at times.

Ryan Kent – 6/10

Made a few piercing runs from the left flank and had a shot deflected wide off the mark in the second period. Can do much better.  

Alfredo Morelos – 7/10

Morelos might not have scored this time around but put in another strong display at the top for the Light Blues, except the missed opportunity in the first half. Worked hard, linked up well with his teammates and was involved in the build-up to the goal.

Substitutes

Scott Arfield – 6/10

Made his return from injury, replacing Coulibaly with fifteen minutes left on the clock. Held the fort well.  

Josh Windass – N/A

Replaced Candeias in the 84th minute. 

Andy Halliday – N/A

On for Ejaria in stoppage time.