Abdallah Sima’s second-half goal delivered a 1-0 victory for Rangers against Real Betis in their opening Europa League group match at Ibrox.
The forward poked home a shot from close range to settle a competitive match between the two of the favourites to progress to the knockout stages.
Michael Beale’s side also struck the frame of the goal twice in a strong second-half display and had goalkeeper Jack Butland to thank for making several key saves, especially in the opening period.
Rangers made four changes from the team that had defeated St Johnstone at the weekend.
There were starting places for Sima, Rabbi Matondo, Jose Cifuentes and Borna Barisic. Out dropped Danilo, Nicolas Raskin, Sam Lammers and Ridvan Yilmaz.
Betis were able to call upon the experience of Claudio Bravo to deputise for first-choice goalkeeper Rui Silva as part of six changes to the team beaten 5-0 by Barcelona at the weekend.
Rangers could have been in front within five minutes. Kemar Roofe’s searching pass sent Matondo running clear but his shot was weak and easily saved by Bravo.
Betis’ response came from a driven effort from Abdessamad Ezzalzouli that Butland did well to save before he pushed away another Ezzalzouli shot from a tight angle.
It was end to end at this point and a rare mis-step from the impressive Isco saw him drag a shot wide after good play by Hector Bellerin down the Betis right.
Ezzalzouli then lashed a shot over the top and saw another effort repelled by Butland as the Spaniards pushed for the lead.
At the other end, Sima could not get enough purchase on his stab at goal before Matondo was wasteful with another attempt before the break.
The Welshman looked to have a great chance early in the second half with Sima’s cross coming his way only for Bellerin to steer it clear for a corner.
Tom Lawrence struck the outside of a post with a long-range effort and Barisic then hit the top of a crossbar from a free-kick just outside the box after Marc Bartra had felled Roofe.
Lammers came on for the injured Lawrence and saw two efforts blocked as Rangers went looking for a winner.
It arrived after 68 minutes, Sima slamming in a loose ball as Betis failed to properly deal with a goalmouth scramble after Bravo made a stunning stop to repel Roofe’s volley.
Betis pushed for a leveller but two big saves from Butland denied substitute Rodri.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. RIPDiogo Jota , Andre Silva Rest in peace Diogo Jota1996-2025 Beautiful image It's been 11 years since the iconic "The Last Game" by Nike was released...Only the OGs remember this legendary animated ad film!One of the greatest ad films ever made!We're getting old... How to scout each team's players Brighton whenever Chelsea call USA VS. MEXICO IN THE GOLD...
Paul Pogba has said that he hopes to make a return to the French national team but added that there are "stages" to the process, as he was officially presented by AS Monaco on Thursday.The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder signed for the Ligue 1 club on a free transfer after serving an 18-month doping ban, after testing positive for DHEA, which boosts testosterone levels."It's the w...
WHAT HAPPENEDThere has been various levels of speculation in recent days about the possibility of Lionel Messi leaving MLS at the end of his contract, even though Inter Miami are confident that they will be able to extend his deal.Former MLS and USMNT star Herculez Gomez said, even if the odds are low against a departure, Messi leaving Miami would ring alarm bells for the league."House of cards cr...
Diogo Jota's body will return to Portugal ahead of the Liverpool player's funeral proceedings starting tomorrow (Friday) afternoon. The Portuguese international died in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva while the pair were in Spain.The incident happened in the early hours of Thursday morning, with the car they were travelling in said to have veered off the road and set on fire. Police ...
Newcastle on brink of £55m deal for Premier League starNewcastle United have stepped up their efforts to secure the services of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, lodging a substantial £55 million (€64m/$75m) offer for the 23-year-old.Ex-Arsenal star Ramsey signs for PumasAaron Ramsey, the former Arsenal midfielder, has joined Liga MX Side Pumas.Al-Nassr eye shock £73m s...
Barcelona 'pessimistic' about Nico Williams transferBarcelona are reportedly 'pessimistic' about being able to get the Nico Williams deal done after encountering several major financial difficulties.Barcelona have been pushing to sign the 22-year-old all summer but are now starting to realise the gravity of their financial situation.Athletic Club aren’t budging on their demand that the ̈́...
Arne Slot pens emotional message after Diogo Jota's tragic passingLiverpool manager Arne Slot has penned an emotional letter following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, passed away in a road accident on Thursday (July 3rd) in the province of Zamora, in north-west Spain.The footballing world is now grieving a player who had made a significant impact for clu...
Chelsea ace Noni Madueke 'open' to Arsenal switchChelsea winger Noni Madueke is reportedly 'open' to moving across London and joining Arsenal this summer as discussions over a potential deal continue.The 23-year-old enjoyed a decent 2024-25 season without pulling up any trees for Chelsea, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in his 41 games.Arsenal are understood to be discussing a potentia...
Inter Milan target in demand Palmeiras midfielderInter Milan are reportedly targeting a move for in demand Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios following a string of impressive performances at the FIFA Club World Cup.The 25-year-old has had a starring role for the Brazilian club as they reached the quarterfinals of the tournament with a game against Chelsea next.According to Calciomercato, Inter Mila...
FC Salzburg v Real Madrid CF: Group H - FIFA Club World Cup 2025Head coach Luis Enrique is pushing PSG to sign Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, who has struggled for minutes under new manager Xabi Alonso.WHAT HAPPENED?Paris Saint-Germain are keen on adding one more dimension to their already phenomenal attack, with head coach Luis Enrique pushing the club to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid. The former Sa...
- 1 Liverpool willing to make swap proposal to Palace for Guehi
- 2 Raphinha happy to see Barcelona miss out on FIFA Club World Cup
- 3 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 4 Mystery blonde who had night out with Kieran Trippier
- 5 Inside jet-setting England star Dominic Solanke's honeymoon with wife Erica
- 6 Chelsea transfer at 'final stages'
- 7 Club World Cup 2025: Benfica v Chelsea predictions, best bets and odds
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Sporting CP president Varandas: Gyokeres knows price he can leave for
- 10 Frustrated Arsenal turn to Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike