Gerrard blow but Celtic survive

RANGERS’ dreams of reaching the last 32 of the Europa League were extinguished when they lost 1-0 at Rapid Vienna.

Victory in the Austrian capital would have seen the their stellar run stretch beyond Christmas.

But there was to be no happy ending for the team Steven Gerrard put together in the summer, as substitute Dejan Ljubicic’s late winner sealed the win at the Allianz Stadium and the hosts joined Villarreal as Group G’s qualifiers. A campaign that began in the second week of July and involved four qualifiers had pushed Rangers to their limits.

Rapid were happy with a stalemate but Rangers could not break through and their hopes were dashed six minutes from time.

Goalkeeper Allan McGregor’s clearance went straight to Venton Berisha, who fed the ball to Ljubicic, who played a one-two with Christoph Knasmullner before poking the ball into the corner of the net.

Gerrard said: “We have certainly been tested. As a group, we haven’t helped ourselves with certain situations and suspensions. Injuries have come at important times.

“In terms of numbers, we have had enough to cope. But to compete at this level it’s obvious to me that the players need some assistance. That means quality players that can come in.”

There was better news for Celtic, who, despite their 2-1 home loss to Red Bull Salzburg, squeezed through Group B on the back of a 1-1 draw between RB Leipzig and Rosenborg BK.

A win for Leipzig might well have seen them go through on goal difference Rosenborg’s late equaliser let the Hoops off the hook, surely to the chagrin of Rangers.