The Scotsman

Progress

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whose close-range shot was well blocked by Osijek fullback Alen Grgic. Rangers remained on the front foot, quickly earning a free-kick which James Tavernier curled into the box.

Malenica’s attempt to punch it to safety was unconvinci­ng and as Osijek struggled to clear their lines, Morelos was quickest to react as he headed the ball back across the six-yard box where Katic rose to get a crucial touch and steer it into the net.

Gerrard’s fist-pumping celebratio­n on the touchline underlined just how crucial the goal was in terms of easing the strain on his team and putting them firmly in control of the tie.

Rangers made their first change of the evening with 15 minutes remaining, Coulibaly leaving the field to a warm ovation as he was replaced by Scott Arfield.

There was a chance for Katic 2 Nikola Katic scores for Rangers after 53 minutes to increase the Ibrox club’s overall lead against NK Osijek in their Europa League second qualifying round tie last night. A late goal by the visitors made it a nervous finish for Steven Gerrard’s side. to put Rangers out of sight of their visitors when he was picked out by a Kent corner but this time he flicked his header wide of Malenica’s right-hand post.

Osijek’s ambition had not been doused and they gave themselves a chance of late salvation when Barisic equalised in the 89th minute. Mcgregor madeanothe­rstunnings­aveto keep out a Mudrazija shot but was left helpless when Barisic’s follow-up effort beat him at his right-hand post with the aid of a deflection.

Four minutes of stoppage time left a lot of frayed nerves in the Ibrox stands but Rangers saw it out.

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