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Alfredo redeems himself as Tavernier leads Gers by example

RANGERS skipper James Tavernier underlined his importance to the Light Blues as his penalty edged Steven Gerrard’s men towards victory over Maribor at Ibrox.

And Alfredo Morelos also stepped up to put in one of his best performances in a Gers shirt to redeem himself after Sunday’s red card at Aberdeen.

Boss Gerrard staved off interest in right-back Tavernier from West Brom ahead of their Europa League showdown with the Slovenians.

And it was the captain who took on the responsibil- ity of firing his side back in front after their sluggish first half display had threatened to hand the visitors the first leg momentum.

Morelos was again at the thick of the drama, first putting Rangers ahead, then wasting a golden chance by getting himself caught offside before winning the spot kick that nudged the hosts back in front.

Lassana

Coulibaly’s late header put daylight between the teams but

Mitja Viler’s strike for Mari- means there is still work to do in Thursday’s return.

Gerrard’s squad was a little lighter ahead of kick-off after Josh Windass and Declan John were allowed to seal deadline day moves to Wigan and Swansea respectively, while Ryan Jack missed out due to the concussion he sustained at Aberdeen. But with Morelos restored to his starting slot following the red card – subsequently downgraded to yellow – that he received against the Dons, the hosts started well.

And it was the Colombian who gave Rangers the dream start inside five minutes. Daniel Candeias and Scott Arfield’s pressing pinned the Slovenians into the corner as Marko Suler was stripped of possession.

Arfield quickly fed the ball to Ryan Kent and while the Liverbor pool youngster’s side-footed effort was stopped by Jasmin Handanovic, the keeper could do nothing as Morelos jumped on the rebound.

But Morelos then allowed himself to be caught offside as he netted on 38 minutes before Viler levelled.

Morelos made amends on 49 minutes. Twisting one way then another, he lured Ivkovic into a trip that had Israeli ref Roi Reinshereiber pointing straight to the spot.

Tavernier stroked home (left) to restore Rangers’ lead before forcing Handanovic into a brilliant fingertip save.

Coulibaly then nodded home from Jamie Murphy’s cross with five minutes left.

ALFREDO BLUE IT Morelos sees ball hit the net but it was ruled out for offside. Inset, he does score