Rangers made a hugely impressive start to their Europa League campaign as goals from Nedim Bajrami and Ross McCausland gave them a 2-0 win at Malmo.
Philippe Clement’s men may be in middling form in the Scottish Premiership – they already sit five points behind arch rivals Celtic – but they were too good for their Swedish opponents at the Eleda Stadium.
Bajrami gave them the lead inside a minute and McCausland made sure of the points with a second goal 14 minutes from time.
Kick-off was accompanied by a series of flares from the home fans and the smoke had barely dissipated when Rangers went in front.
An awful back pass allowed Cyriel Dessers a clear run on goal and, although he managed to go round the goalkeeper, his shot came back off the near post. The ball fell kindly for Bajrami and he made no mistake.
Rangers have taken the lead against Malmö within a minute 🤯
The ideal start for Philippe Clement and his side 💪
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/7UGhuCbGny
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 26, 2024
The hosts saw a 17th-minute effort ruled out for offside while only some great last-ditch defending denied Hugo Bolin as he closed in on goal two minutes later.
The visitors swiftly regained control, however, and continued to keep the Allsvenskan leaders at arm’s length.
And Rangers should have gone into half-time with at least a two-goal lead. First, Vaclav Cerny shot wide when put clean through by a superb Bajrami pass before the impressive Bajrami saw a close-range shot saved by home goalkeeper Johan Dahlin.
Henrik Rydstrom’s side came out with greater energy after the break and, after Kiesse Thelin headed wide, Anders Christiansen somehow put his shot high over the bar from a good position.
Rangers weathered the storm and got stronger as the half went on.
Rangers get a second against Malmö through a quality finish from Ross McCausland 🎯
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/tgGAAreG0C
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 26, 2024
Dessers shot wide but McCausland did much better after 76 minutes. The substitute siezed on a loose ball on the edge of the box before firing a left-footed effort into the net via the right post.
On-loan left-back Neraysho Kasanwirjo almost capped his first start with a late third but Rangers had done enough, registering their first win over Swedish opposition in six attempts.
