Rangers endured a tough night at Ibrox as Olympique Lyonnais ran out 4-1 winners in their UEFA Europa League clash. Despite a spirited start, the home side was outclassed by Lyon’s attacking brilliance, led by Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki, who orchestrated a second-half demolition. Rangers, who were hoping to secure their first win of the European campaign, were left to rue missed chances and defensive frailties, as Lyon’s clinical finishing proved the difference.
First Half: Early Promise for Rangers
Rangers began the game with plenty of energy, spurred on by a vocal Ibrox crowd. They pressed high, looking to disrupt Lyon’s rhythm, and created a couple of half-chances in the opening minutes. However, Lyon’s class began to show, and their technical superiority allowed them to gradually take control of the midfield.
The breakthrough for Lyon came in the 27th minute. A swift counterattack saw Rayan Cherki thread a perfect ball through to Lacazette, who slotted past Jack Butland to give the visitors the lead. Rangers responded well, and their persistence paid off when a set-piece saw Connor Goldson rise highest to head home the equaliser just before halftime.
Second Half: Lyon’s Quality Shines Through
The second half was a completely different story. Lyon came out with renewed purpose, and it didn’t take long for them to regain control of the match. In the 55th minute, Lacazette doubled his tally, finishing off a brilliant cross from Cherki to restore Lyon’s lead. Rangers’ defence began to crack under pressure, and their midfield was overrun as Lyon continued to dominate possession.
Lyon made it 3-1 in the 70th minute when a well-worked corner found the head of Maxence Caqueret, who nodded home from close range. Lyon’s defense stifled rangers’ attempts to fight back, and the final nail in the coffin came in the 85th minute when Cherki rounded off a brilliant performance with a stunning solo goal, weaving past two Rangers defenders before curling the ball into the top corner.
