Time up for Jamespublished at 16:56 British Summer Time 26 August 2021
HT: Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
James Santos was shown a red card after clipping debutant goalkeeper Robby McCrorie
Summary
Conference League: St Johnstone 0-0 LASK, agg 1-1, Aberdeen 0-2 Qarabag, agg 0-3
Balic rifles in opener with Raguz scoring from the spot; David Wotherspoon sent off within seconds of entering fray while Shaun Rooney red carded for penalty
Europa League: AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Celtic (2-3 agg) - Kyogo scores before Aboukhlal levels and Starfelt nets own goal
FT: Alashkert 0-0 Rangers - Aribo hits woodwork twice as Morelos threatens in goalless draw; James sent off for hosts
Time up for Jamespublished at 16:56 British Summer Time 26 August 2021
Media caption, 10 average menpublished at 16:55 British Summer Time 26 August 2021
HT: Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writerQuote MessageThey have been playing against 11 average men and now they are playing against 10 average men. Surely to God Rangers have to get the job done
HALF-TIME Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)published at 16:50 British Summer Time 26 August 2021
Rangers are half way towards getting the job done and reaching the group stage for a fourth season running.
A goal up on aggregate, their opponents with a man sent off after winger James' second yellow card, they should be confident of progressing against a side yet to threaten a goal of their own.
However, while the hosts remain only a goal behind, you never know...
Image source, SNSImage caption, Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has missed a couple of chances
Postpublished at 45+2
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
A nice little triangle of passes between Scott Arfield and Alfredo Morelos produces a sight at goal for the midfielder.
However, Arfield stabs it straight at goalkeeper Ognjen Cancarevic and goes down injured after receiving a clip on his ankle.
That could be as much of a worry for Rangers as the missed chance considering Covid has decimated their subs bench.
Postpublished at 45mins
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
We are into four minutes of stoppage time in this first half.
Can Rangers make a breakthrough that will make the half-time team talk easier for the visitors?
Postpublished at 42mins
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
Rangers were already dominating possession when the hosts had a full complement and the extra space allows centre-half Connor Goldson to charge upfield and unleash a drive from 30 yards just over the crossbar.
Still no breakthrough though.
'Really dangerous'published at 16:42 British Summer Time 26 August 2021
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
Neil McCann
Former Rangers winger on BBC ScotlandQuote MessageThat could've been really, really dangerous. It's a petulant little kick out. That should've been a straight red never mind a second yellow
RED CARD James (Alashkert)published at 39mins
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
A second yellow card within three minutes and Alashkert winger James is sent off.
Having been booked after a foul on Joe Aribo he clips the head of diving goalkeeper Robby McCrorie as they both chase a through ball.
Surely that must end the Armenian side's hopes.
Nervous times for Gerrardpublished at 16:36 British Summer Time 26 August 2021
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
Derek Ferguson
Former Rangers midfielder on SportsoundQuote MessageI think there will be a few things being thrown at the television by Steven Gerrard sitting at home. Rangers are controlling it, they have had the chances, but it could be one of those nights
'Such a poor finish'published at 16:33 British Summer Time 26 August 2021
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
Neil McCann
Former Rangers winger on BBC ScotlandQuote MessageMorelos should have two in the game. It's a brilliant pass by Arfield. There's no conviction in his run. It's such a poor finish from such a good goalscorer
GOOD SAVE!published at 30mins
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
He must score!
Alfredo Morelos is played in behind the Alashkert defence from Scott Arfield's quick through ball.
The Colombia striker seems to have all the time in the world to pick his spot or round the goalkeeper, but Ognjen Cancarevic blocks the half-hearted effort and Arfield's poked effort on the rebound goes well wide.
Goldson's slow startpublished at 16:30 British Summer Time 26 August 2021
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
Derek Ferguson
Former Rangers midfielder on SportsoundQuote MessageWe've been talking about some Rangers players not hitting the heights of last season and Goldson comes into that category. He should have been across sooner
YELLOW CARD Goldson (Rangers)published at 16:27 British Summer Time 26 August 2021
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
Connor Goldson has a few complaints - and shouldn't really - as the Rangers centre-half pulls down Brazilian midfileder James as the home side break quickly.
Rangers missing killer touchpublished at 16:23 British Summer Time 26 August 2021
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
Craig Levein
Former Scotland manager on BBC SportsoundQuote MessageIf you go back a year or so and the Rangers side would be two or three up. They are well in control of the game and just need a bit better decisions to get the goal
'What a save'published at 16:23 British Summer Time 26 August 2021
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
Neil McCann
Former Rangers winger on BBC ScotlandQuote MessageWhat a save. Cancarevic is at full stretch. Aribo has got a lot of time and steers it towards the far corner, but the keeper is every match to it
HITS THE WOODWORKpublished at 19mins
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
Joe Aribo looks for a copycat goal following his fine opener against Ross County on Sunday.
The midfielder is more central this time and his curling drive is heading for the inside of the far post before goalkeeper Ognjen Cancarevic touches it on to the upright at full stretch.
Postpublished at 17mins
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
Rangers are playing the bulk of the game in Alashkert's half but without penetrating the home defence.
Ianis Hagi shows his frustration with a hopeful 30-yard drive, but the midfielder's low strike is easy for goalkeeper Ognjen Cancarevic.
McAllister on patrolpublished at 16:16 British Summer Time 26 August 2021
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
Image source, SNSImage caption, Assistant manager Gary McAllister is directing Rangers from the touchline in Steven Gerrard's absence
'Morelos has to score'published at 16:14 British Summer Time 26 August 2021
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
Neil McCann
Former Rangers winger on BBC ScotlandQuote MessageMorelos should score. The Rangers high press steals it, Arfield is instrumental, but there's not a lot of conviction in the shot. It should be 1-0, no question about it
Hesitant Morelospublished at 16:14 British Summer Time 26 August 2021
Alashkert 0-0 Rangers (agg 0-1)
Craig Levein
Former Hearts manager on BBC SportsoundQuote MessageIt was a wonderful opportunity for Morelos, but I think he hesitated and was leaning back when he took his shot