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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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
9 mins: Betis understandbly look as though they will probably control the majority of possession in this match, with Rangers looking to punish the Spanish side by breaking forward with pace should they rob them of the ball.
Rangers 0-0 Real Betis
4 mins: Chance! A fantastic outside of the boot pass from Kemar Roofe plays Rabbi Matondo through from just past the half-way line, but the winger couldn’t set himself properly and ended up hitting a tame shot at Bravo who clutched onto the ball gratefully.
Rangers 0-0 Real Betis
3 mins: A Betis corner is headed away, but a resulting delivery whipped in from the second phase looked very dangerous.
Luckily the ball ran out for Rangers to take possession.
Rangers 0-0 Real Betis
1’ - A loose ball from Betis aimed at Pezzella is intercepted by Kemar Roofe, but the referee blows for a foul in the build-up before the forward can try and create a chance.
Kick off! Rangers 0-0 Real Betis
Betis get us underway here at The Ibrox, immediately trying some quick combination passing down the left-hand side which peters out for a Rangers throw.
Rangers v Real Betis - LIVE
Here come the teams.
Michael Beale when interviewed moments ago said he’s gone as bold as he can with his selection and is looking to take the game to Betis.
Rangers’ 2022 European run proved where they belong
On many levels, clubs like Real Madrid and Rangers exist and operate in different spheres. But what they share, through being two of European football’s great old clubs, is the belief they belong on stages such as these.
For Rangers, this central character complex survived even when they were demoted down to the fourth tier of Scottish football.
More on Rangers’ 2022 Europa League run:
The power of Rangers’ European run is in proving where they belong
Clubs like Rangers have been cut adrift from the elite level of European football but in reaching the Europa League final they have harnessed the magic of the unquantifiable to bridge the gap
Rangers v Real Betis: 10 minutes until kick-off
Rangers’ Europa League campaign will get underway shortly against Spanish side Real Betis, with it being only 10 minutes until kick-off.
Both sides have struggled for consistency so far this season, although Betis have the far poorer defensive record having conceded ten goals from their opening five games in La Liga.
This one feels like it could have a few goals in it.
It’s Bravo for Betis!
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo does indeed take the place of the injured Rui Silva tonight.
It will be the 40 year-old’s first appearance of the season tonight.
Pellegrini was uncertain whether he would be able to select his second-choice goalkeeper before the match, and may have had to rely on third-choice Francisco Vieites who has very limited experience at the top level.
Rangers unbeaten in six at home in Europa League
Rangers are unbeaten in their last six matches at The Ibrox in the Europa League.
The Scottish side have only lost three games at home in the competition since it was renamed in 2009.
They’ll be hoping to keep this streak going against Betis tonight as the Europa League group stages get underway.
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