UEL: Rangers Stun Union Saint-Gilloise to Reach Europa League Last 16

Rangers secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Royale Union Saint-Gilloise to sneak into the Europa League last 16, thanks to goals from Nicolas Raskin and Vaclav Cerny.

Rangers secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, catapulting them into the UEFA Europa League last 16. The win was a testament to James Tavernier's inspiration, as Rangers sneaked into the top eight on goal difference, defying expectations.

Rangers' domestic campaign has been marred by inconsistency, with the team making their worst start to a Scottish Premiership season ever. However, the UEFA Europa League has provided a welcome respite for Philippe Clement's men. They approached the must-win encounter against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise with renewed confidence, building on the form that had kept them in contention for a top-eight spot.

In the 18th minute, James Tavernier delivered a warning sign of his threat from wide areas, whipping in a free-kick from the right that Cyriel Dessers headed high over the bar. The forward should have done better, but Royale Union Saint-Gilloise failed to heed the warning. Tavernier was again instrumental in Rangers' opener, delivering a pinpoint cross from the left that Nicolas Raskin met with a headed finish, sending the hosts in front.

Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Rangers' opponents, were also vying for a top-eight spot, and they thought they had equalized when a free-kick caused chaos in the Rangers' defense. Franjo Ivanovic poked the ball past Jack Butland, but VAR intervened, ruling out the goal for offside. This was a crucial turning point in the match.

Full-Time: Rangers 2-1 Union Saint-Gilloise | #UEL

💙 Victory at Ibrox pic.twitter.com/lNT50aBiQM

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 30, 2025

Just before the break, VAR was involved again, this time denying Cyriel Dessers a goal. The Belgian forward's volleyed finish was also deemed offside. However, Dessers refused to let his head drop and played a pivotal role in Rangers doubling their lead 10 minutes into the second half. He was released down the left, drove fearlessly at the Union SG defense, and cut the ball back to Vaclav Cerny, who clinically slotted the ball past Anthony Moris.

The 2024/25 #UEL league phase ✅ pic.twitter.com/BGnoQwzie1

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) January 30, 2025

The match took a dramatic turn in the 83rd minute when Kevin Mac Allister halved Rangers' lead with a looping header, setting up a nervy finish at Ibrox. However, Rangers managed to hold on and secure a brilliant qualification for the round of 16 in thrilling fashion. For Union SG, the loss meant they dropped to 20th and will have to navigate the play-off round instead.