The Europa League saw the Rangers kick off on a high note by defeating Malmo in Sweden 2-0, a victory that could have been more resounding. Nedim Bajrami, a midfielder, scored the opening goal for the Rangers within a minute, marking a triumphant start for the Ibrox team. Despite missing multiple opportunities to extend their lead before halftime, Philippe Clement’s team nonetheless played a remarkable game.
Throughout their history in Champions League qualifiers, the Swedish champions had never previously been defeated by the Rangers in four matches. Despite feeling the heat after the break, the Light Blues squandered opportunities for extending their lead until Ross McCausland, a substitute, scored an impressive second goal during the 76th minute, wrapping up the game in their favour.
This victory was the most significant achievement for the Ibrox team since their unfortunate 3-0 loss to Celtic at the beginning of the month. With renewed confidence, Clement’s group now faces Hibernian in the William Hill Premiership match happening on Sunday. Following this, they will welcome the French team Lyon for the second of their eight-stage Europa League tournament next week.
Before the match, Clement was faced with difficult squad selection decisions. Owing to Jefte’s suspension and on account of injuries to a number of players such as Ridvan Yilmaz, the team had Neraysho Kasanwirjo, a young Dutch defender, make his debut as left back. For this loaned from Feyenoord player, the chance came as midfielder Mohamed Diomande replaced Dujon Sterling.
Although leading the Swedish league and potentially cruising to their 24th championship win, Malmo was caught off guard by their early loss. Cyriel Dessers capitalized on an unfortunate pass back from Gabriel Busanello, leaving Johan Dahlin, Malmo’s keeper, defeated. Dessers subsequently attempted to score from a narrow angle, but the post was hit instead. However, Bajrami, the Albanian international player who joined from Italian side Sassuolo, was on hand to score the first goal in the vacant goalpost. This goal visibly shook the Swedish squad, but they soon regrouped and continued the battle. An offside violation nullified an 18th-minute free kick goal by Isaac Kiese Thelin, Malmo’s top scorer.
Before the half-time whistle, Bajrami failed to capitalise on an opportunity, with his erupted shot repelled by Dahlin. In a pivotal moment, Dessers fumbled within the penalty area. A couple of minutes before half-time, Bajrami set up Cerny, the Gers forward, with a clear shot on goal, but his attempt was off-target. Bajrami soon followed up with a much stronger 20-yard strike that brought out a superb stop from Dahlin, despite Dessers failing to get a shot away in another Light Blues counterattack. As the second half began, the Gers, led by Henrik Rydstrom, were put under tremendous pressure by the Govan team, but goalkeeper Jack Butland was well shielded.
A blinder from Malmo captain Anders Christiansen 58 minutes into the game hinted at a potential win for the Rangers. Dessers’ failed acrobatic attempt at scoring after a Cerny free-kick caused panic for Dahlin, but the play stopped due to a foul signalled by referee Luis Godinho of Portugal. After playing for 69 minutes, Cerny was replaced by McCausland who later dashed past the Malmo defence to miss a shot at goal.
In contrast, the accurate 20-yard shot by Northern Ireland’s McCausland that bounced off the post before finding the back of the net had Gers players celebrating with their away fans. Despite Dahlin being the only obstacle, Kasanwirjo blasted his shot above the post, with the Rangers gladly accepting the final result. Over in London, Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League kick-off time with Qarabag FK was delayed from 8pm to 8.35pm due to serious travel disruptions.