Rangers Secure Europa League Last-16 Spot with Hard-Fought Win Over Union SG

Rangers capped off their UEFA Europa League league phase campaign with a crucial 2-1 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise at Ibrox, securing automatic qualification to the Round of 16. The Scottish side, who have now progressed from the group stage in five of their last six European campaigns, delivered a resilient performance to finish eighth in the standings.

Nicolas Raskin gave Rangers the lead in the first half with a well-taken header, but Union SG believed they had equalized through Ivanovic, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside. The Belgian side continued to threaten, and early in the second half, both Fuseini and Ivanovic missed golden opportunities to draw level.

They were made to pay as Cerny doubled Rangers' advantage, giving Philippe Clement’s men a crucial cushion. Mac Allister pulled one back for the visitors late on, but Rangers held firm to claim all three points. Despite Union SG creating a higher expected goals (xG) tally of 2.29 compared to Rangers’ 1.57, they were unable to convert their chances and now finish 11th, meaning they will enter the play-off round for a place in the last 16.

With this victory, Rangers have now lost just two of their last 14 UEFA Europa League home games, underlining their strength at Ibrox. As they await their next European opponent, Clement’s side will turn their attention back to domestic action with confidence.