Rangers vs Ajax is an all time classic European tie. Both clubs helped form the European Super cup with a glamour friendly which UEFA then used to form the fixture back in 1973. So there is a rich history between both and even in my lifetime, way back in the 90’s, Jorg Albertz missed a sitter which I palmed away Copland end and earned myself a picture in the centre spread of the Rangers News (my youth claim to fame).
Tonight though is Rangers shot at some European redemption but it couldn’t be under tougher circumstances. Ten first team players unavailable, and ALL key players at that, makes this extremely tough ask but Rangers now have momentum from Saturday.
It may ‘just’ have been Aberdeen and yes they aren’t this league, but they are a good side and we were excellent. In fact that is the benchmark of how good we can be. This is a completely different challenge obviously but a chance to continue the momentum and build something is there for everyone.
At very least it’s Rangers, it’s Europe and these nights are always special. Of course anything better than 4-0 and we are through, easy eh?!….
The team –
RANGERS: McGregor, Tavernier, Sands, King, Barisic, Davis, Arfield, Tillman, Fashion Jr., Colak, Kent.
SUBS: McLaughlin, McCrorie, Devine, Fraser, Allan, Kamara, Lowry, Matondo, Morelos, Wright.
First half action
3 mins – GOAL Ajax – Berghuis after Tavernier is caught inside, ball rolls back and he fluffs the shot but McGregor has already committed himself. Just really poor all round. 0-1
8 mins – SHOT! Ajax chip an effort at goal but McGregor gets back to stop, just. 0-1
13 mins – OFF THE LINE! Bassey clears a Fashion Sakala header after great work by Ryan Kent, Fashion climbed well but not sure best connection. 0-1
19 mins – CAUTION 📒 Taylor is robbed by Fashion and then hauls him back. 0-1
27 mins – CHANCE! Leon King clears it straight to Ajax but they work it slowly and low shot is blocked. 0-1
28 mins – GOAL! Kudus has an age to pick his spot and make it 0-2. It’s a defensive horror show, stripped down the right again. 0-2
31 mins – CHANCE! This could be as many as Ajax want here and only McGregor diving to his left stops a third. Painful to watch. 0-2
37 mins – CHANCE! Audible booing as Ajax drag another shot wide. 0-2
HT – Rangers 0 Ajax 2
Booed off again.
Second half action
55 mins – GOAL! Ajax have the ball in the net. Comes down the right hand side and cross is tapped in. VAR OFFSIDE! Remains 0-2
59 mins – SUBSTITUTIONS – Davis, Čolak, Tillman OFF Wright, Morelos, Kamara ON
67 mins – SHOT! Well barely, but a long range free kick by Tavernier is easily saved. 0-2
70 mins – SAVE! Arfield spins and strikes which is well tipped over. Corner, obviously nothing comes of that. 0-2
SUBSTITUTIONS – Kent, Arfield OFF, Lowry Matondo ON
83 mins – MISS! Alfredo misses a sitter after robbing the GK rolls it wide. Sums up our campaign.
87 mins – GOAL! Rangers get one back, matondo down left and is wiped out by Alvarez. Tavernier converts the penalty. 1-2
89 mins – GOAL! Ajax score again. Defensively woeful, Chico the scorer. 1-3
FULL TIME – RANGERS 1 AJAX 3
Why not kick off the new season by playing Rangers Pools?
Rangers Pools have Match Ticket giveaways for every League match at Ibrox this season and you could win a pair!
Play today, support your club and be in to win Match Tickets alongside cash prizes every week!
https://www.rangerspools.com/win-match-tickets
Four Lads Had A Dream 