A 1-0 defeat at the hands of RB Leipzig in Germany keeps Rangers’ hopes of a Europa League final spot attainable ahead of next Thursday’s second leg.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst sent out his team to limit and frustrate in Saxony. Attacking opportunities were rarely forthcoming, but restricting Domenico Tedesco’s side to 1.51xG demonstrates a successful defensive showing. If not for Angelino’s late strike, the visitors would’ve carried out their plan to perfection.
The trendline reflects how unlikely victory proved on the night. On the basis of chances, van Bronckhorst’s side win that game just once out of 100 attempts.
Review of both shot maps demonstrates just how difficult it was for the hosts to create openings. Up until the 70th minute, when Christopher Nkunku missed a 0.81xG chance, Leipzig’s 0.36xG reflected the visitor’s discipline.
There is a sense of irony, therefore, that it took a 0.01xG opportunity to break the deadlock, with Angelino volleying into the bottom corner.
At the other end, Rangers’ highest-value chance arrived when Ryan Kent fired a shot across the face of goal.
The 0.09xG effort was the best of a bad bunch, chance creation remained absent all game.
The hosts made 830 passes to the visitors 368 and that possessional-dominance is shown in both pass maps. Tedesco’s side played a back three with interchangeable forwards. However, Nkunku, Dominik Szoboszlai and Dani Olmo struggled to connect with the rest of the team, up against the excellent trio of Connor Goldson, John Lundstram and Calvin Bassey.
Van Bronckhorst’s side changed shape at the break. In the first 45 minutes, their 5-3-2 offered no outball up the pitch and required the midfield three to constantly shuttle from side to side.
After the interval, the move to a 5-4-1 with Joe Aribo central (later replaced in that position by Fashion Sakala) improved the midfield’s pitch coverage and provided a focal point in possession.
The German outfit’s pressure map offers a clear picture of their aggression. Happy to defend with a high line, their intensity from the front stopped Rangers from ever really playing through the thirds.
Contrastingly, Rangers hardly applied any pressure in the opposition half. Comfortable showing possession around the centre and playing to contain, they only attempted to regain the ball on occasion.
On reflection, yesterday’s result was a job well done. Leipzig were limited throughout and the tie remains alive for the return leg. Rangers will have to open up and attack at Ibrox, yesterday’s discipline was focused on providing the platform for another exhilarating European night in Glasgow’s southside.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here