Rangers ended their wait for a win in the Europa League as they defeated Ludogorets 1-0 at Ibrox to record their seventh consecutive victory in all competitions.
In a game of few chances, it was Ivorian midfielder Mohamed Diomande who grabbed the game's only goal on 33 minutes, firing home his second of the season from close range after being teed up by Thelo Aasgaard.
While the victory means little in the way of progression in the tournament, with Danny Rohl’s side out of the competition before they even kicked off in Thursday’s penultimate game against Ludogorets, the German will be relieved to finally chalk a Europa League win on the board after such a tough European campaign.
Attention will turn back to the Scottish Premiership title race at the weekend, with Rangers set to face Steven Pressley’s Dundee at Ibrox on Sunday. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Here’s how The Scotsman rated the performance of each Rangers player in the 1-0 win over Ludogorets at Ibrox:
1. Jack Butland - 7
Had nothing to do for the first half hour, but was then forced to pull off an excellent save at point blank range from Stanić. One of the club's most consistent performers this season, he's rarely let his side down. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
2. Max Aarons - 5
Drove forward with pace and provided Moore with a option down the right. Choose the wrong often too often, though, and didn't really make a case for him to be restored to the starting XI on a regular basis. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
3. Nasser Djiga - 6
He's show improvement since his error-strewn opening few weeks, but there's still a nervousness to his play. There were a few gasps from the home support early in the second-half when he almost played his side into trouble. Largely did okay outside of that, though. | SNS Group
4. Emmanuel Fernandez - 7
Growing in confidence with each passing game. Strong in the tackle and read the game well. Looks comfortable passing out from the back, and uses his athleticism to good effect. | Getty Images