Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LAFF & CO DIG DEEP FOR DRAW
Northern Ireland striker makes it a European night to remember
KYLE Lafferty’s first ever European goal handed Rangers a hugely impressive 2-2 draw in their Europa League opener with Villarreal.
Steven Gerrard’s team were hoping to become the first Ibrox side to triumph away from home against Spanish opposition as they made their group-stage return after eight years in the UEFA wilderness.
They did not quite manage that but did deliver a display of grit and endeavour to kick-off their Group G campaign with a precious point at El Madrigal.
But it didn’t start well for the visitors as Carlos Bacca reacted brilliantly as the ball sat up perfectly just outside the box, arcing a stunning hit over Allan Mcgregor for the opener 44 seconds in.
Villarreal boss Javier Calleja had tinkered with his line-up, bringing former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla back in amid nine changes to the team which picked up their first win of the season against Leganes on Sunday.
The 33-year-old and midfield accomplice Nicola Sansone were pulling the strings with effortless ease, forcing Gers to scramble for cover.
Little by little, Rangers grew in confidence but the Yellow Submarine always looked capable of sinking their guests on the counter.
Mcgregor made a smart stop from Cazorla just before the change of ends and had to be alert straight after the break, making three timely interventions as the Spaniards turned up the heat.
Gerrard would have been pleased with his side’s overall showing, with only a quality final ball missing.
But they got it after 67 minutes as James Tavernier charged into the box. Ruiz got a tackle in but Daniel Candeias was on hand to clip the ball back in for Scott Arfield to sweep home.
However, no team has won more games or scored more goals in the Europa League than Villarreal and they showed why as they immediately clicked up a gear as substitute Moreno charged past Barisic before rifling past Mcgregor to regain the lead within two minutes of the equaliser.
But Rangers refused to let their heads sink and hit back again with quarter of an hour left. Barisic charged down the left before cutting back for Lafferty, who tucked home to the delight of the 2,200 travelling Gers supporters.
Arfield came close to a dramatic winner before it was Gers turn to endure a last-gasp scare as Bocca failed to convert at the back-post.