Rangers recorded their first Europa League victory of the season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ludogorets at Ibrox, but the result was not enough to keep Danny Rohl's side's slim hopes of progression alive. Mohamed Diomande's scrappy first-half strike proved decisive on a wet and windy Govan night against the Bulgarian champions.
The victory extended Rangers' fine run of form to seven straight wins in all competitions, including a fourth consecutive clean sheet. Yet with their European fate effectively out of their hands beforehand, the night carried a mixed feel: progress on the pitch but a quiet farewell to the league phase's qualification race.
Diomande Pierces a Stubborn Defence
The decisive moment arrived in the 33rd minute. From a messy corner, the Ivorian midfielder Diomande reacted quickest to tuck home from close range, piercing a Ludogorets net that had largely held firm under pressure. It was a scrappy goal but a vital one, ending the visitors' resistance in a controlled but chance-light opening period for the hosts.