Sparta Prague 0-0 Rangers: Philippe Clement's side survive first-half pressure to claim point
- Published
Rangers had to weather spells of Sparta Prague pressure
Rangers emerged with a precious Europa League point from Prague after a testing night against Sparta.
In Philippe Clement's first European game in charge, a tinkered Ibrox line-up toiled for a foothold in the Letna Stadion in the first half, with Jack Butland repeatedly keeping them level before the break.
Rangers' brittle attack eventually conjured a cluster of late chances, but Sam Lammers and Danilo found Peter Vindahl in defiant form in the Sparta goal.
Real Betis defeated Aris Limassol 1-0 in Group C's other game, to leave Rangers third on four points, level with Sparta.
Around 1200 Rangers fans were predicted to be at this one, but they weren't rewarded with much to cheer about from their team in a fraught first half.
The opening period saw Rangers return an xG of just 0.02 as Butland had to be called upon at the other end. A double save thwarting Veljko Birmancevic and Qazim Laci was the pick of the bunch.
The latter also whistled a whizzing volley just past from the edge of the area, while John Lundstram's last-ditch intervention prevented Martin Vitik tapping in a certain goal.
The second half started in a similar fashion, with Abdallah Sima in an unfamiliar left wing-back position one of the few clicking for Rangers.
Indeed, it took until the 58th minute for Lundstram's tame pot-shot at Vindahl to stand as his side's first shot on target.
However, Rangers slowly began to come out more and could well have taken more from their jaunt to Prague.
Lammers' curling shot was well saved by the Sparta keeper, and he had to be at his very best to acrobatically tip Danilo's rasping shot on to the bar.
Player of the match - Abdallah Sima
Stuck in an unfamiliar role, Sima had more duels - and won more - than any other Rangers player, applying himself well in what was a tough night for his team for long spells
Keep calm and carry on - analysis
The final 20 minutes put a slightly different sheen on this one. Up until then, it was a gruelling night for those travelling fans.
Rangers struggled to flex their creative muscle in the face of a Sparta side which grew with confidence with each attack. As half-time approached, it seemed just a matter of time before the visitors' resistance would be broken.
However with their stoic stand came frustration for the hosts, who grew more ragged as the game wore on. As it transpired, it could have been even better for Rangers as they finished the game on top.
But a point, while denying Sparta two, could prove crucial. A late Betis goal stopped all four teams being locked on the same points at the halfway stage, such is the competitiveness of this section.
Rangers now have the comfort of two home games in their final three, and we know how pivotal those European nights in Govan have been in recent years.
What's next?
Hearts visit Ibrox on Sunday (15:00 GMT), while Rangers' next European outing comes on Thursday, 9 November (20:00 GMT) as Sparta come to Glasgow.