Rangers eased to victory with a comfortable 2-1 win over Hamburg at Ibrox.

A goal from Fashion Sakala and a James Tavernier penalty after the Zambian was chopped down gave Michael Beale his first win of the preseason. The Germans added a consolation through Jean-Luc Dompe with a stunning free-kick in injury time.

The Bundesliga 2 put in plenty of graft but were clearly a significant quality drop from the Newcastle side faced last weekend.

The match was notable for the return from injury of Kemar Roofe and Tom Lawrence who entered the match as late subs while £4.5m signing Cyriel Dessers made his debut from the bench.

Our writers Joshua Barrie and Jonny McFarlane analyse the 90 minutes.

Dowell's got the fight (JM)

Of Rangers' seven signings this summer, the former Norwich man has slightly slipped under the radar amid multi-million-pound signings from Serie A. And yet he looked very impressive over his 45 minutes today, showcasing vision and grit in the middle of the pitch. At 6ft1 he may be skilful and creative but he's nobody's easy mark and looks built for the physicality of the Scottish Premiership. In one moment he won the ball from three players in a row as it ricocheted around the midfield, provoking Ibrox to thunderous applause. Quality-wise, a wonderful, first-time-around-the-corner ball freed Yilmaz down the left early on and his passing was sharp throughout. At the very least, this left-footed midfielder looks certain to bring balance and competition to the squad over the course of the season. 

£3m attacker isn't good enough (JM)

There have been few signings more baffling than the £3m purchase from Schalke who has never looked like a Rangers player since an impactful debut a year ago against West Ham he marked with a goal. There are only so many chances a manager can provide until patience runs out and Matondo has been given plenty during his time in Scotland. Again here he was found wanting when a decisive opportunity fell his way. A brilliant chance fell to the Welshman early in the game after Tavernier's deep cross found him free in the box but an awful first touch sent the ball spinning into the keeper's arms from 10 yards out with the goal gaping. While it's clear the former Manchester City forward is pacy and direct, he seems to lack the fundamental requirement for a Ranger - the character to impose himself when it counts. 

The new threat from the left (JB)

It’s surely a certainty that Ridvan starts at left-back this season, for a number of reasons. In a summer that’s been all about rebuilding, the left-back starting slot is no different. And more than that, it’s the profile of Ridvan that makes him a more appealing option as opposed to just providing change. In the first half on Tuesday against Newcastle, Borna Barisic was repeatedly undone by his inability to play inside the pitch. His lack of angles on the ball, always looking up the line, is a limitation in the build-up. Contrastingly, Ridvan’s capable of breaking lines with his passing or ball-carrying, allowing his side to break beyond pressure and into space. The Turkish defender is happy in numerous areas of the pitch, moving inside, staying deep or sitting on the last line. There can be no doubt about who lines up as first pick this season. 

Striker makes debut (JM)

There are huge expectations surrounding Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers after his £4.5m move from Feyenoord. While it's a pittance in macro terms, it remains a small fortune in the context of Scottish football and Micheal Beale desperately needs him to become the 25-goal-a-season man Rangers have missed for years. He looked sharp after coming on, reacting quickly to Todd Cantwell's header bouncing back off the bar but his header from 6 yards out was well saved by the Hamburg keeper. Early signs suggest the Nigerian is, at the very least, strong, direct and combative.

Tactical battle (JB)

Hamburg’s risk-taking at the back would eventually cost them an opener, when overplaying allowed Dowell and Sakala to press for the opener. Up until that point, an interesting approach in possession using their goalkeeper enabled the visitors with a degree of control. Hamburg’s goalkeeper, Fernandes, would step up not only to create an extra man in possession, but also enable one of his centre-back Hadzikadunic or Ramos to simultaneously step up to occupy the space behind the hosts’ three man press. Why does this matter? If one of Sima, Sakala or Matondo pressed, they risked leaving an open passing lane into the centre. Only when Rangers managed to trap the German outfit to a side of the pitch could they really threaten a regain. The hosts’ patience would eventually pay off allowing them to open the scoring. 

Young star shows talent (JM)

It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it hits you with the power of a freight train. Nathan Patterson invoked it. Calvin Bassey too. Barry Ferguson, of course. And now Bailey Rice. I'm talking about the creeping certainty that a young player will make the grade. At just 16, Rice is already a big lad and looks at least two years older than his tender years. He plays like it too. Authoritative and always looking for the ball, he anchored the midfield with a poise that suggests, once again, he has a big future. 30 minutes is a good chunk of game time at this stage in the season for one so tender in years but much more needs to be his target. There's no rush, of course, but Beale has an enormous talent on his hands and he must be made to feel he can cultivate it further through first-team minutes in Govan.