Rangers ended their pre-season campaign with a well-deserved 2-1 victory over visiting Real Madrid at Ibrox on Sunday.
Steven Gerrard’s side have tested themselves against some of the highest opposition this month, picking up a 2-2 draw with Arsenal and securing a goalless draw against Brighton, but by far their biggest test was this last visit from Real.
? Se ha hecho larga la espera …? pic.twitter.com/PBSXGRdLWn
– Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) 25 July 2021
Well, that would be their biggest test, but it did not play out that way. At all.
Right from the first whistle, the Rangers were at the top of this game, so much so that they did not even bother when they came 1-0 early. Towards the end of the game, Rodrygo ended up in goal and the young Brazilian took advantage of some sloppy defense and hit home past Allan McGregor after just eight minutes.
The chances to equalize came almost immediately. Connor Goldson’s head was saved in an impressive way by Andriy Lunin, who only rose with an excellent stop from Ryan Kent just a few seconds later.
With just under 20 minutes on the clock, Rangers could have had three or four, and the new signing Fashion Sakala rejected the best chance for an early equalizer when he dawled on the ball and stopped firing his shot.
The 12,750 Ibrox fans held their breath as Rangers scampered down the left side. He successfully avoided all challenges and cracked home the shot for 1 – 0! By comparison, Real had one, and it went in.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men were slightly lighter after the break, but Rangers finally got their deserved equalizer through Sakala in the 55th minute. It was a powerful strike from the Zambian, but praise must go to Glen Kamara’s excellent midfield work in the build-up.
? One moment to remember for @ fashionjr10. pic.twitter.com/3Mmi0AZLFT
– Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 25, 2021
Rangers’ tempo started to fall as Gerrard started to tip, but they remained on top and took a stronger grip on the game when Real defender Nacho was sent off in the 75th minute for his second yellow card which, to be honest, was probably a straight red in any game other than a friendly.
Just two minutes later, the Rangers got the goal they deserved. Cedric Itten’s productive pre-season continued with an excellent volley that left the otherwise brilliant Lunin with absolutely no chance.
? Itten with the winner in front of Copland. pic.twitter.com/qVYIJQAOAE
– Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 25, 2021
Ancelotti seemed to admit that his side was cooked and instead changed focus to give more of his players players minutes, and the lack of cohesion made Rangers make a routine finish.
Gers finished with 21 shots on goal compared to Real’s five and sent an ominous warning to the rest of the Scottish Premier League. Rangers mean business once again.
