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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

World media reacts to Rangers Europa League surge as Serbian publication doubles down on Red Star 'real result'

It was another impressive night for Rangers in Europe as they cruised into the latter stages of the Europa League.

A blockbuster quarter-final tie beckons for Gio van Bronckhorst 's men after seeing off Red Star Belgrade on aggregate.

Despite losing 2-1 at the Marakana through a late penalty, the damage was done at Ibrox after a 3-0 drubbing in Govan.

However, Serbian outlet Mondo wasn't quite ready to take the exit of Red Star on the chin yet.

In fact, they claimed to have worked out the "real result" from the tie in an eye-catching headline - claiming that Dejan Stankovic's side had "deserved five goals."

The outlet pointed to Red Star failing to convert a penalty and also had three goals ruled out by VAR at Ibrox - while playing their "expected goals" trump card to try and show their working.

The report read: "It was 3-0 in Scotland, and the red and white team won 2-1 in Belgrade, although it was clear to everyone who watched the match that the victory should have been even more convincing.

"Official statistics made sure that it was not just an hollow story. A parameter called "xG" measures very precisely and in relation to a large number of parameters how many goals each team should have scored. Chances and dangerous situations are taken into account, so it is so clear that Rangers should not have scored a goal in the last match.

"Of course, the statistics are one thing, and the field is another, but the impression remains that with just a little more luck, a little more concentration, this team of Dejan Stankovic should have gone further."

Fellow Serbian outlets were more willing to hold their hands up to the loss - including Sportsklub.

While they felt Red Star deserved the second leg win, they found it tough to argue that Rangers should not have receive safe passage into the next round.

Ryan Kent scores to make it 1-1 against Red Star Belgrade (SNS Group)

Their report read: "The champion of Serbia deserved at least one triumph in the duel with the Scots. It was an excellent 45 minutes, a goal by Ivanic and a great chance by Picini, inspired the stars to hope that they could reach the next round.

"But in the second half they continued to play on different notes, especially after the equaliser. Rangers remained worthy of the quarter-finals of the Europa League."

Staying in Serbia, Informer could fine little consolation after a disappointing two legs against Rangers.

They wrote: "Unfortunately, the Red Star did not manage to place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, despite the 2-1 victory in the return match.

"A large number of misses in both matches cost Dejan Stanković's team dearly, and a small consolation after all is the triumph at Marakana."

Further afield, the Nigerian press picked up on the key roles of Calvin Bassey, Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun in the triumph.

Pulse FM stated: "Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst fielded the Nigerian trio in his starting lineup, with each player delivering an impressive shift.

"The equaliser killed off any hope the home side had left. However, they still picked up the win after they were awarded a penalty in the second minute of added time."

US publication CBS Sports also picked up on Rangers rubbing shoulders with some of Europe's elite once again.

Their report read: "The Europa League is down to the last eight teams and this year it includes some big names. Tonight’s matches saw the likes of Barcelona and Rangers progress to the quarter-finals of the competition.

"Qualified teams from last 16 round include Barcelona coming through a tough second leg away to Galatasaray and Rangers hammering Serbian side Red Star Belgrade."

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