RANGERS LATE SHOW SINKS RAPID
TWO GOALS by Rangers in the last 10 minutes gave them a crucial home victory against Rapid Vienna to put them top of their group. First skipper James Tavernier kept his nerve in the 84th minute of a tense Europa League tie to send his spot kick into the top corner after striker Alfredo Morelos had been chopped down. Then Morelos added his second of the night deep into injury time to put the gloss of a fine performance. It was a deserved three points for Rangers after Rapid had made them battle all the way through the Group G game. Rapid had beaten Spartak Moscow 2-0 in their opening group game and were clearly ready to meet Rangers’ fire in an exchange of fierce tackles in the opening minutes. After a disappointing opening 40 minutes the game changed dramatically. In the 42nd minute Rapid took the lead after the linesman didn’t spot a clear offside. Andrei Ivan was two yards offside as he ran on to a pass and his cutback was diverted by Lasanna Coulibaly straight to Veton Berisha, who stroked the ball home at the back post. Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor was booked for complaining about the goal but a minute later Rangers were level. James Tavernier sped down the right and laid on a brilliant ball for Morelos to sweep home for his ninth goal of the season. In the second half Rangers pressed their opponents further upfield with winger Ryan Kent causing plenty of problems which led to bookings for Rapid’s Andrei Ivan and Mert Muldur for fouls on the on loan Liverpool player. Then came the dramatic finale.