Rangers vs Real Betis LIVE: Europa League result, final score and reaction
The Europa League Group C clash sees Ibrox host opponents from LaLiga
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Louise Thomas
Editor
Abdallah Sima’s second-half goal delivered a 1-0 victory for Rangers against Real Betis in their opening Europa League group match at Ibrox.
The forward poked home a shot from close range to settle a competitive match between the two of the favourites to progress to the knockout stages.
Michael Beale’s side also struck the frame of the goal twice in a strong second-half display and had goalkeeper Jack Butland to thank for making several key saves, especially in the opening period.
Ranger’s winner arrived after 68 minutes, Sima slamming in a loose ball as Betis failed to properly deal with a goalmouth scramble after Bravo made a stunning stop to repel Roofe’s volley.
Betis pushed for a leveller but two big saves from Butland denied substitute Rodri.
Rangers 0-0 Real Betis
38 mins: Kemar Roofe tries to find Sima with a cross into the box, but the ball actually falls deep at the far post to James Tavernier.
The fullback plays the ball back into the box again, where Sima flails widely in an acrobatic attempt, with Rangers eventually gaining a throw in down the right-hand side.
Rangers 0-0 Real Betis
34 mins: Save! Cifuentes is robbed of the ball in midfield, and Ez Abde again manages to break forward and fires a shot across the Rangers goal towards the far post.
The referee gives a goal-kick, but replays show it was actually a fantastic save from Jack Butland to keep the strike out.
Rangers 0-0 Real Betis
32 mins: Rangers win a corner, which is immediately headed out for a second after they opt to not take it short this time.
Tom Lawrence is alert to the resulting second ball, but Rangers fail to create anything meaningful and an overhit pass results in a Betis goal-kick.
Rangers 0-0 Real Betis
29 mins: Chance! A delightful ball from Roca, who lofts a ball over the top straight through the two Rangers centre-backs from just over the half-way line.
Ez Abde’s touch is poor though, and the winger fires over the bar wildly. A better set and it would’ve been a really good chance for Pelligrini’s side.
Rangers 0-0 Real Betis
26 mins: Ez Abde is looking dangerous for Betis.
The left-winger is more than willing to take on his man, and has managed to almost break through in the box on a number of occasions.
Rangers have had the best chance of the match however through Matondo, and there isn’t much to seperate the two teams.
Rangers 0-0 Real Betis
21 mins: Chance! Bravo finds a good long pass to Abner, who plays the ball on to Ezzalzouli.
The winger manages to break in behind the defence, and tries a shot from a tight angle against Butland.
The goalkeeper’s save is unconvincing as it is palmed back into the area, but the ball is eventually cleared to safety.
Rangers 0-0 Real Betis
18 mins: Rangers are struggling to find passes in midfield so far in the early part of this game, and have gifted the ball straight back to Manuel Pelligrini’s side on a number of occassions.
So far they have looked most dangerous when looking for the long ball in-behind.
Rangers 0-0 Real Betis
16 mins: A slight break in play as Ezzalzouli receives treatment following a head clash with Ben Davies.
The 21-year-old is soon up and ready to go, and a drop ball restarts the game.
Rangers 0-0 Real Betis
15 mins: Matondo has gifted possession to Betis a couple of times now, with the Spanish side winning a corner after an extended spell around Rangers’ box.
The resulting delivery is headed away comfortably, with Betis retaining possession in the final third of the pitch, before Ezzalzouli’s long range effort is comfortably dealt with by Butland.
Rangers 0-0 Real Betis
11 mins: Bravo shanks out a clearance on his left foot, for Rangers to have a throw deep into the Spanish side’s half.
Michael Beale’s men fail to keep possession however and Igelsias eventually wins a free-kick.
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