Rangers Secure Europa League Last-16 Spot with Hard-Fought Win Over Union Saint-Gilloise
Rangers delivered a crucial 2-1 victory over Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, ensuring their place in the last 16 of the Europa League and bypassing the knockout playoff round. The win was a testament to the team’s resilience, especially given the injury problems that have plagued Philippe Clement’s squad in recent weeks.
The Scottish side needed a win to guarantee a top-eight finish in the league phase, and they achieved just that, despite a late scare. Goals from Nico Raskin and Vaclav Cerny secured the result before Union Saint-Gilloise’s Kevin Mac Allister pulled one back in the closing stages. Nevertheless, Rangers held on to seal a direct path into the last 16, sparing them the need for a tricky two-legged playoff in February.
This achievement is particularly significant considering that at the beginning of the campaign, few expected Rangers to reach this stage. The result against USG confirms their status as a serious contender in the tournament and allows them extra preparation time before their next European test in March.
Cyriel Dessers Shines Despite Transfer Uncertainty
One of the standout performers of the night was Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers, whose performances in recent weeks have been exceptional. The 30-year-old has often been a divisive figure among Rangers supporters, with some questioning his consistency despite his respectable goal return. However, against USG, Dessers put in arguably his best performance in a Rangers shirt.
His hold-up play was outstanding, and he provided a brilliant assist for Cerny’s goal, showcasing his ability to bring teammates into play rather than just being a pure goalscorer. He has now scored six goals in his last four games, proving his worth at a time when his future at Ibrox remains uncertain.
Manager Philippe Clement was full of praise for Dessers after the match, stating that the forward had proved his doubters wrong. His performance also caught the attention of the Belgian media, who named him the best player on the pitch. Even Union Saint-Gilloise captain Anthony Moris acknowledged his impact, highlighting how difficult he was to play against.
Ally McCoist, the Rangers legend, went a step further, claiming that Dessers possesses a unique quality that no other player on the planet has—though McCoist left it open to interpretation as to what exactly that trait is.
With the transfer window now closed, Dessers will remain at Rangers for the rest of the season, despite speculation linking him with moves to Saint-Étienne (France), Leganés (Spain), and Serie A sides Cagliari and Empoli. Empoli officials had admitted they were in need of a striker before the deadline, but the Nigerian’s form in recent weeks made it increasingly unlikely that Rangers would let him go mid-season.
Nico Raskin Proves His Worth
While Dessers stole many of the headlines, Nico Raskin was another key performer for Rangers on the night. The Belgian midfielder has endured an up-and-down spell at Ibrox since joining from Standard Liège, with injuries and inconsistency hampering his development. However, against USG, Raskin was everywhere on the pitch, breaking up attacks, winning duels, and setting the tempo in midfield.
His goal to put Rangers ahead was a well-taken header, showing great anticipation to meet a cross inside the box. Barry Ferguson, writing in his Daily Record column, singled out Raskin as the best player on the pitch, ahead of even Dessers, emphasizing his work rate and tactical intelligence.
Tactical Adjustments: Tavernier and McCausland Step Up
With Rangers dealing with multiple injuries, James Tavernier had to play as a makeshift centre-back, while young winger Ross McCausland was deployed at right-back after Leon King was forced off with a concussion. Tavernier’s leadership and adaptability were once again on display, as he ensured Rangers remained organized at the back despite the makeshift defensive lineup.
McCausland’s work rate on the right was another highlight, as the winger-turned-defender put in a disciplined shift to help see out the game. Meanwhile, Moroccan forward Hamza Igamane was asked to play on the left wing—a role he is not accustomed to—but he put in a solid performance for the team.
All these changes highlighted Clement’s tactical flexibility and the squad’s ability to adapt under difficult circumstances.
What’s Next for Rangers?
With their top-eight finish secured, Rangers will now face one of the following teams in the Europa League Round of 16 in March:
Bodo/Glimt (Norway)
Anderlecht (Belgium)
Twente (Netherlands)
Fenerbahce (Turkey)
This extra rest period could prove crucial as Rangers balance domestic commitments with their European ambitions.
Before their next Europa League fixture, they return to Scottish Premiership action against Ross County. Sitting 10th in the table, Ross County have struggled in recent weeks and have failed to win in their last three matches. Rangers will be keen to capitalize on their momentum and push for domestic success alongside their European campaign.
With key players slowly returning from injury and the squad proving its depth, Rangers will aim to keep up their strong form in the coming weeks.