(Reuters) – Rangers pulled off a major upset on Thursday with a 3-2 away victory over Real Betis in Seville, securing the top spot in their Europa League group and a spot in the round of 16. This was their first win against Spanish opposition in Spain.
Returning to the city where they lost in the final of the same competition in 2022, Rangers handed Betis their first home defeat of the season. The win also extended new manager Philippe Clement’s unbeaten run to 13 games.
Both teams found the back of the net twice in a dramatic first half, setting the stage for a tense finish at the Estadio Benito Villamarin. Kemar Roofe, who came off the bench, scored the winner – marking his first goal since August.
Following the victory, Clement described it as a “statement” win over Betis, who are currently seventh in LaLiga and recently held Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw in Seville.
“There were a lot of records to break,” the Belgian added. “It is a little bit like going to the Olympics, doing the high jump and putting the bar so high that everybody thinks it is impossible to do it, but you jump over it.”
The draw for the next round of the Europa League is set to take place on Monday.
(Reporting by Peter Rutherford in Seoul; Editing by Gerry Doyle)
