Rangers cruise into play-offs but Aberdeen lose to Sporting

Rangers have reached the play-off s of the Europa League after winning 4-0 away at Willem II but Aberdeen have lost narrowly to Sporting in Lisbon.

Steven Gerrard had warned his Rangers players that they would need to be at their best in the Netherlands and they got off to a strong start, taking the lead after 22 minutes.

James Tavernier scored his 50th goal for the club, netting from the penalty spot. Ryan Kent doubled Rangers’ advantage three minutes later, pouncing on a rebound after Robbin Ruiter failed to hold a shot from Alfredo Morelos.

The Ibrox side held that lead into the break and in the second half they killed off any faint hopes the Dutch side had of mounting a comeback. Filip Helander and then Connor Goldson scored with headers to set up a play-off tie against Galatasaray next week.

Aberdeen had travelled to Portugal as underdogs, despite the fact that Sporting had been hit with coronavirus and had a number of key players out.

Despite not being at full strength, Sporting showed their class almost immediately. Luciano Vietto set up Tomas and he finished past Joe Lewis after only seven minutes.

Aberdeen found their composure and kept Sporting at bay but struggled to find any breakthrough that might lead to an equaliser.

The home side had chances to add to their lead and make the tie comfortable but failed to add to the scoring, with the Dons unable to muster a comeback in the second half.