Match Report & Rangers Twitter Reactions vs Spartak Moscow
Rangers’ 11-game unbeaten run in the Europa League came to an end when Spartak Moscow came from behind to beat them 4-3 in thrilling fashion in Moscow. Two goals in a minute close to the hour mark completed the comeback from the Russian team, who were thrice led by the Scottish opponents.
Steven Gerrard’s men took the lead in the fifth minute via a Roman Eremenko’s own goal. Lorenzo Melgarejo equalised for the home side in the 22nd minute, but the visitors kept the pressure on by scoring again through Daniel Candeias. The Portuguese with a fine strike to give the Gers a lead back around the half-hour mark.
The Moscow-based team got themselves again when Connor Goldson scored an unfortunate own goal as Sofiane Hanni’s drive deflected off him to beat the Rangers goalkeeper. Glenn Middleton scored four minutes from half-time to give the Scottish team the advantage for the third time in the game.
Gerrard’s men were denied a goal that denied them a 4-2 lead when Alfredo Morelos was wrongly ruled offside. The TV replays suggest the striker was clearly onside and scored a perfectly legal goal. However, the linesman had other decision in his mind.
Spartak then netted two goals in space of two minutes between 58th and 60th minute to produce a stunning comeback and eventually get a vital win. Rangers were unlucky right at the death when a James Tavernier effort hit the bar. Few inches inside and the away side could have earned a deserved point, but it was not to be for them.
This result puts Villarreal at the top of the table with six points from four games, Spartak and Rangers are second and third respectively with five points each, the former ahead on the table due to better head-to-head.
It was a stunning game between two teams who went after each other in search of goals and three points. A great game for the neutrals and a heart-breaking one for the Gers. Here’s how their fans reacted on Twitter.
I hope Gerrard gives that defence the bollocking of a lifetime.
— James (@James1o1o) November 8, 2018
Dreadful 2nd half performance, our defenders really let Allan McGregor down tonight but had no protection from midfield. Thought we were incredibly naive, should be shutting up shop – potentially bringing on Jack to help out.
— Douglas Kinnear (@Dougiek85) November 8, 2018
Threw that game away. 🤬 Katic giving away silly fouls all over the shop, coulibaly with about as much urgency to his play as a snail and Flanagan was just utter pish.
— Andy 🏴 (@antab0202) November 8, 2018
Haven’t seen a defensive display this bad since Ched Evans was in court.
— 🏴 Craig Gio McKay 🇲🇾 (@MaccaGio) November 8, 2018
First loss in Europe. Very very unlucky
— Matt (@mt2oo8) November 8, 2018
Maybe stop changing the back 4 every fukn game, just sayin…..
— Robert Morrison (@boabster1982) November 8, 2018
Defense was poor & Linesman was a PPPrick! 🤦🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️😤
— – (@roastur) November 8, 2018
