Borussia Dortmund were condemned to a thumping 4-2 defeat in their first-leg Europa League knockout tie after a thrilling performance from Rangers on Thursday.
Marco Rose’s men were without Erling Haaland due to injury, with the Norwegian striker forced to watch from the stands as Rangers ran riot at the Westfalenstadion.
Rangers took control of the first leg of the knockout-round play-off clash after James Tavernier expertly beat Gregor Kobel from the spot-kick in the first half.
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Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men doubled their advantage before half-time through Alfredo Morelos, who fired in from the back post after a flick from Joe Aribo.
Rangers were in dreamland only minutes into the second half after Ryan Kent played through John Lundstram, with the English midfielder’s first-time shot from the edge of the box curling into the corner of the net.
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Dortmund attempted to build momentum and pulled one back through a superb strike from Jude Bellingham, but Rangers reinforced their lead by scoring their fourth.
A deflected strike from Morelos was initially ruled out after the offside flag went up, but VAR intervened and the decision was overruled.
VAR ruled that Dan-Axel Zagadou had the last touch on Morelos’ shot, with the 25-year-old Colombian striker completing his brace and adding Rangers’ fourth of the night.
Raphael Guerreiro scored Dortmund’s second of the night with a stunning strike from 22 yards to beat Allan McGregor, but Rose’s men were unable to turn the tide of the match in their favour.
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Dortmund will travel to the Ibrox on 24th February for their second-leg Europa League play-off tie with Rangers.
Rangers, who are one point adrift of arch-rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, will return to action on 20th February with an away trip to Dundee United.
Topics: Rangers, Scottish Premiership, Scotland, Football, Europa League, Borussia Dortmund, Germany, Bundesliga
Adnan Riaz