Rangers 1 Lech 0: Alfredo Morelos scores only goal as Colombian equals Gers’ Europe scoring record
DON’T turn your back on Alfredo Morelos – he’ll only do the Poznan.
To Lech’s horror that’s exactly what Thomas Rogne did.
Just six minutes after coming on as a sub Morelos ghosted in behind the former Celtic defender to head his way into the history books.
His goal was his 21st for Rangers in Europe, equalling Ally McCoist’s long standing club record.
It also secured back-to-back wins for Steven Gerrard’s side who are off to a dream start in Group D.
The Poznan fans are famous the world over for their stadium-shaking dance.
At times last night it seemed the players could waltz out of Ibrox with a point.
Instead, it was left to Morelos to leap off the bench and make his.
In 16 games, across all competitions, Rangers had lost just four goals.
That imperious defensive platform has allowed the Ibrox club to build up a head of steam both domestically and in Europe.
But in sharp contrast to previous campaigns, no one is getting carried away.
There is a focus and intensity about Rangers right now – two essential characteristics that have been lacking for some time.
While the Gers defence has been rightly lauded, Gerrard’s side haven’t been found wanting going forward either.
Their attack is the most potent in the country, capable of moments of magic like the one Kemar Roofe conjured last week.
His sensational 55 yard strike from inside his own half sealed a remarkable 2-0 win for Rangers in their Group D opener against Standard Liege.
The fact it was the Belgian side’s first home defeat in Europe in six years was almost lost amid the euphoria of Roofe’s goal.
But the magnitude of the victory certainly wasn’t lost on Poznan coach Dariusz Zuraw who has installed Gers as favourites to progress from the group along with Benfica.
Last night the Poles were without playmaker Pedro Tiba, winger Jakub Kaminski and centre half Djordje Crnomarkovic.
Gerrard handed Roofe a start with Morelos making way.
Borna Barisic was also reinstated with Leon Balogun lining up alongside Connor Goldson at the back.
New signing Bongani Zungu started on the bench.
Despite chances at both ends, the first half ended goalless.
With some better communication Rangers would surely have found themselves in front.
Twice the wrong player in the wrong place plumped for the wrong option.
With 13 minutes gone, Roofe spun his made superbly, darting the box before cutting the ball back.
Ianis Hagi lunged for it, but Gers had a man over. Either he never heard Tavernier’s screams to leave it or he’d imagined his name up in lights.
It was a golden chance gone. Another presented itself 25 minutes in, and again Roofe was involved.
Barisic’s deep cross was completely misjudged by the striker who only succeeded in heading it downwards.
But as the Poznan defence froze, Roofe attempted an acrobatic overhead kick.
After last week’s screamer against Standard he was probably entitled to do so, but again Rangers had someone much better place.
Ryan Kent was in the perfect position just to side foot home – the look of anguish on his face as Roofe’s effort dropped wide said it all.
A bizarre feature of the first half was the desire of both teams to play out from the back.
Poznan keeper Filip Bednarek was almost caught out at one end before Allan McGregor decided to join in the fun at the other.
Shipping a needless corner kick there was a heated exchange between him and Goldson.
Earlier, the Gers keeper had given Tavernier both barrels after he’d allowed Tymoteusz Puchacz to run in behind him and cross.
Daniel Ramirez had dragged a shot wide but it was Mikael Ishak who passed up the best chance for the visitors.
Coming just before half-time, the towering striker scooped his shot over the bar with Gers’ goal gaping.
Gerrard’s men, however, had undoubtedly created the better chances.
Roofe and Kent had linked well with Scott Arfield drawing a decent save from Bednarek with 20 minutes gone.
Arfield almost combined with Hagi before Steven Davis squandered two chances in the space of five seconds.
First, his attempted volley from the edge of the box was well blocked before he blasted the rebound high over the bar.
From the position he was in he had to hit the target.
Poznan were first to threaten after the break – Ramirez inches away from connecting with Michał Skóraś’ cross.
The Poles were certainly on the front foot with former Celt Thomas Rogne going close with a glancing header.
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Indeed, it took Gers a good ten minutes to get themselves going again – Arfield flashing a shot from distance past the post bang on the hour mark.
Gers were now firmly back in control of the match.
Morelos had replaced Roofe and he went close with his first touch.
With his second, and with 67 minutes on the clock, he fired Rangers in front.
Barisic dug out his first decent cross of the match and there was the Colombian, in between the two Poznan to bullet home his milestone goal.
A brilliant run from Kent and cross from Tavernier almost teed up Joe Aribo as Gers looked to put the game to bed.
Poznan pushed hard in the final minutes, but McGregor was never troubled in Rangers’ goal.
Gerrard’s men continue to go from strength to strength.