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Rangers 2-1 Union Saint-Gilloise: Gers win final league-phase game to secure Europa League top-eight spot

Report as Nicolas Raskin gave Rangers the lead early in the first half; Vaclav Cerny doubled the hosts' lead after the break; Kevin Mac Allister pulled a goal back for Union Saint-Gilloise to make for a nervy finish; Rangers avoid a Europa League play-off and go straight into the last 16

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Rangers boss Philippe Clement praised his squad after they qualified for the Europa League last-16 with victory over Union Saint Gilloise

Rangers were 2-1 winners in their final league-phase game against Union Saint-Gilloise, helping them to secure a place in the Europa League's top eight.

The Scottish Premiership side needed other results to go their way to avoid a play-off finish but also had to hold up their end of the bargain with three points - something Philippe Clement relayed to his players.

"It's a massive achievement of the whole squad. The whole squad has been involved. We had to be creative the last few months but everyone dug in and did the job brilliantly," Clement said in his post-match press conference.

"The teams that have finished behind us are massive clubs with massive budgets. But also in this top eight, from the seven other teams, we played against four of them, so that makes the achievement only bigger.

"I explained what could happen before the game but I told them we can only do one thing which was go for victory so we were going to focus on that."

Despite losing Leon King early on to injury - adding to defensive concerns - Rangers made a strong start as Nicolas Raskin powered home a header from James Tavernier's cross.

Just before the half-hour mark, Union SG thought they had levelled. Franjo Ivanovic poked home but VAR ruled the goal out for a tight offside.

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It seemed to be a running theme too as, just before the break, Cyriel Dessers also had a goal ruled out for offside. The assistant's flag was up this time, with VAR confirming the decision.

Rangers' Nicolas Raskin scores to make it 1-0 against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
Image: Rangers' Nicolas Raskin scores to make it 1-0 against Union Saint-Gilloise

Despite facing a spell of pressure at the start of the second half, Rangers doubled their lead in the 55th minute. It was an excellent counter-attack from the hosts as Dessers' cutback was slotted home by Vaclav Cerny. The Wolfsburg loanee could have quickly added another but his thunderous shot crashed onto the post.

News trickled through around the 75-minute mark that Nice had equalised at home to Bodo-Glimt, sending Rangers into the top eight - but it was hardly a cruise into the last 16 as Union SG pulled a goal back with seven minutes of normal time to play.

Kevin Mac Allister looped a header over Jack Butland and once again there was a VAR check for offside. This time the goal was allowed to stand and despite a late onslaught, Rangers held out to secure eighth place on goal difference.

Union SG - who were level on points with Rangers heading into the game - finished in 21st place and will be unseeded for Friday's Europa League play-off draw.

The final Europa League table

Here's how the Europa League has finished after eight rounds of fixtures:

Clement: Qualification proves what we are doing

Rangers manager Philippe Clement on the pressure he is facing:

"It is not about me. You can write whatever you want, but I know what we are doing. We explained at the beginning of the season what the club needed.

"I will be on the barricades for this club but it is good that people now see more and more. Those who didn't believe, they see it more. The qualification in the Europa League proves that."

On Thursday's game, he said: "It's about believing in yourself, in the team and making a good plan, a good structure using our qualities and stopping the opponents to use their qualities.

"We did really well in the first half and in the first part of the second half and then you saw at the end of the game the qualities that Union has.

"It's about every game believing in yourself and I believe that on the day we can win against every opponent, whoever it is.

"That's what the team showed also when we played against Tottenham or Manchester United who are massive clubs. You need to have that belief otherwise it's no use going on the pitch."

Rangers captain James Tavernier added: "We know as a team we should do a lot better. I'm delighted for the team after sneaking into the top eight.

"Not a clue [that Rangers had finished in the top eight]. It was only at the end of the game that Vaclav [Cerny] told us we got in!

"You want to compete at the best. European football is getting harder each year. We deserved it."

Rangers defy the odds to secure eighth

Analysis from Sky Sports' Charlotte Marsh:

"The permutations needed for Rangers to finish in the top eight were extensive - and complicated.

"But somehow, things fell their way and Rangers now avoid two extra European games in the play-offs. It will be hugely beneficial in a season that has already had its fair share of issues.

"And while there was plenty of reliance elsewhere, Rangers also did their job by winning the game. Union SG were a fair match for them and a few inches to the correct side - both with shots and onsides - and the game could have ended very differently. Perhaps another element of luck that Rangers needed.

"But maybe that does a disservice to Rangers' performance. While it was by no means perfect, Rangers stood up to Union SG's test in pressurised moments, and did well going forward. Their second goal on the break was very well taken.

"And while a Scottish Premiership title charge would need a similar set of wonders to transpire, Rangers must take confidence from their Europa League campaign into the remainder of the season."

When is the Europa League knockout stage?

Knockout play-offs: February 13 and February 20, 2025
Round of 16: March 6 and March 13, 2025
Quarter-finals: April 10 and April 17, 2025
Semi-finals: May 1 and May 8, 2025
Final: May 21, 2025

Story of the match in stats

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