A late goal from Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers salvaged a 1-1 draw for Rangers against Dynamo Kiev, marking the start of their UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign on an intense evening in Lublin.
Both Dessers and fellow Nigeria internationa, Leon Balogun were in the starting lineup for the Scottish side, eager to secure a place in the prestigious Champions League group stage.
Rangers began the match on the front foot. In the 8th minute, Tom Lawrence's powerful shot forced a strong save from Dynamo goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan, with Dessers' subsequent rebound effort also being saved.
Despite Rangers' early dominance, it was the hosts who took the lead. Vladyslav Vanat broke down the right flank, delivering a dangerous cross into the box, where Andriy Yarmolenko was perfectly positioned to slot the ball home.
Cyriel Dessers clutch for Rangers
The striker had a chance to equalise in the 52nd minute, flicking the ball towards goal, but Bushchan was once again up to the task, pushing it away.
Deep into added time, Rangers found their much-needed equaliser. Vaclav Cerny delivered a precise ball into the path of Dessers, who finished low beyond the goalkeeper, ensuring the tie was level ahead of next week’s second leg.
The outcome of this tie will determine who faces the winner of the Salzburg vs FC Twente match in the playoff round.
Rangers now find themselves in a promising position for the play-offs, with the lucrative £5 million prize from UEFA and a shot at the Champions League group stage within reach with Cyriel Dessers, much maligned by the Rangers fans, at the forefront of this charge.