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.
Real Betis line-up
Betis XI: Bravo, Bellerin, Pezzella, Bartra, Abner, Rodriguez, Marc Roca, Luiz Henrique, Isco, Ez Abde, Iglesias
Michael Beale defensive after booing from home fans
Michael Beale’s Rangers side were booed following a 1-0 defeat at home against Old Firm rivals Celtic.
The start of the season hasn’t been ideal for Beale, who are already four points behind their Glasgow rivals after also losing to Kilmarnock.
Michael Beale urges Rangers to ‘dust themselves down’ and be ready after break
Celtic came away from Ibrox with a 1-0 win after Rangers were denied a goal by a VAR decision.
Pellegrini says Scottish football is about ‘passion’
Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini said he understood what Scottish football was about when discussing tonight’s fixture.
The veteran manager said: “I think I have a very good idea of what Scottish football is. It is about passion, direct football, fighting for every goal, trying to go box to box as quickly as they can.
“The intensity of the game is maybe not the same as Spain but it is something we must consider tomorrow because in 95 minutes they play 100 per cent, technical and physical.
“I had the chance to come here not only as a manager and I also came to watch Celtic v Rangers when I was in England as a coach. It is great football with great fans.”
Rangers Changes
Michael Beales makes several changes to his side which beat St. Johnstone last weekend.
Borna Barišić comes in at left-back for Ridvan Yilmaz, and José Cifuentes replaces the injured Nicholas Raskin.
Rabbi Matondo and Abdallah Sima replace Sam Lammers and Danilo going forward.
Rangers line-up
Rangers XI: Butland, Tavernier (C), Goldson, Davies, Barisic, Lundstram, Cifuentes, Lawrence, Matondo, Sima, Roofe
Rangers v Real Betis - LIVE
Rangers are without midfielders Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin, while Kieran Dowell is out with a knee injury and Steven Davis hasn’t yet recovered from a cruciate ligament injury.
Striker Danilo will also not feature following surgery on a fractured cheekbone.
Real Betis face problems in the goal-keeping department after Rui Silva was forced off in his side’s 5-0 defeat to Barcelona last weekend, with Claudio Bravo an uncertainty for the Spanish side.
Manager Manuel Pelligrini said pre-match he was hopeful the 40-year-old would be able to start after returning to training, but the Chilean may be forced to play third-choice Francisco Vietes who only made his top-division debut in the drumming against Barça.
Rangers v Real Betis - LIVE
Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Europa League group-stage action, as Real Betis head to Glasgow to face Rangers.
Michael Beale hasn’t enjoyed the best start this season in the Scottish Premier League, and will be hoping that a good performance tonight can lift a bit of the pressure.
After reportedly having his job offered to Graham Potter, who turned down the role, a good start in Europe is key for the 43-year-old.
Real Betis changes
Manuel Pellegrini has joined Michael Beale in making quite a few changes to the team who lost heavily to Barcelona last weekend.
Defenders Juan Miranda and Chadi Riad are replaced by Germán Pezzella and Abner.
Sergi Altimira drops out of holding midfield for Guido Rodriguez, while former Premier League man Ayoze Perez is dropped for Ezzalzouli Abde.
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