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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Servette star Dereck Kutesa makes Rangers financial claim after Champions League loss

Servette star Dereck Kutesa insists they can hold their heads high...because Rangers have a far bigger budget than the Swiss club.

Rangers claimed a 1-1 draw in Geneva to go through to the play-off round of the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven.

Kutesa netted a wonderful opener, but blew a glorious chance to double the advantage before the break when he shot at keeper Jack Butland when he had colleague Jeremy

Guillemenot completely unmarked in the middle.

But he reckons they can be proud of their displays over two legs.

He said: "We were far from outclassed against a Rangers team who have a budget many times what we spend.

"I regret the missed chance. If I looked up then I would have seen Jeremy Guillemenot in the centre alone.

"But I didn't really have time to do it because a defender was close to me. I tried to place the ball between the keeper's legs but he saved it.

"I think we have to look back at these ties with plenty of pride. We have not been disgraced and went toe for toe with a much bigger club."

Meanwhile, Rangers manager Michael Beale praised his side for digging deep and finding the answers in Switzerland after James Tavernier’s equaliser sent them into the Champions League play-offs.

Beale told Rangers TV: “We didn’t do well enough first half, I thought we were passive and obviously they scored and the crowd were up in the stadium.

“We had a wonderful chance ourselves with Dani and obviously he misses and we go in at half-time and had to have a strong conversation.

“We were much better second half, we got the full-backs higher. Borna, a fantastic cross, and Tav, something we have seen for a number of years, it was a wonderful goal.”

Beale added: “The game is 90 minutes plus and sometimes you have got to solve the problem as you go through the game.

“The second half was much, much better, more energy and more running forward, and in the end we saw the game out well. We were unfortunate not to score one or two more.

“This was a tough night. The pitch was extreme and the pitch was very slow and sticky, the home fans were up. We had to dig deep and we got the job done.

“When you are 1-0 down you are looking for a response from the players and we certainly had that after half-time.

“Dujon Sterling came on and did well for the team, as well. I have to say Jack Butland was outstanding and that’s why we recruited him.”

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