Rangers 1-0 Real Betis: Is Europa League win a turning point for Michael Beale's side?

Rangers beat Real Betis 1-0 at Ibrox; Abdallah Sima's strike was the difference between the sides; Rangers reached the Europa League final in 2021

Digital Sports Journalist @AlisonGConroy

Friday 22 September 2023 10:41, UK

«Nothing is done. It is just one performance.» Rangers manager Michael Beale is aware there is still work to do despite their Europa League victory over Real Betis.

Beale was backed in the summer transfer window as he looked to overhaul the squad in a bid to provide a title challenge to Celtic and start winning more silverware.

But defeat on the opening day of the season, failure to reach the Champions League and a 1-0 loss to their biggest rivals at Ibrox piled the pressure on the manager.

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They returned from the international break with a comprehensive win at St Johnstone but there were still doubts over how Rangers would fare in their Europa League opener against Real Betis on Thursday night.

Abdallah Sima was the matchwinner with a second-half strike but it was Jack Butland who ensured the victory with a number of big saves, including two late on from substitute Rodri.

«Jack was taking over from a modern-day legend at the club and there were a lot of eyes on him,» Beale said of the former England stopper who replaced Allan McGregor in the summer.

«But I've known about Jack for a number of years and all he's had here is an opportunity to play and show his quality.

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»It's still very early in his Rangers career but we're delighted with him.

«To get him as a free transfer, I think we've done very well but it's only the start of his Rangers career.»

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