Rangers delivered a scintillating performance in Nice, securing a commanding 4-1 victory that manager Philippe Clement hailed as “close to perfection.” The result not only boosts their Europa League progression hopes but also underlines the Scottish side’s ability to thrive on the European stage.
First-Half Blitz Stuns Hosts
Despite an early scare, Rangers raced to a stunning three-goal lead by half-time. Vaclav Cerny’s deflected strike opened the scoring, followed swiftly by a brilliant flick from Mohamed Diomande. A calamitous back-pass from Nice gifted Hamza Igamane the third, sending the traveling fans into raptures.
Nice, sitting fifth in Ligue 1, struggled against a Rangers side that capitalized on every defensive lapse. While Badredine Bouanani impressed for the hosts, his curling free-kick late on was merely consolation on an otherwise chastening night.
Igamane Shines on European Debut
Starting a European game for the first time, 22-year-old Igamane was the standout performer. His relentless energy, sharp instincts, and ruthless finishing earned him two goals, making him the youngest Rangers player to score twice in an away European match since 1983.
“He’s far from the finished article, but his rawness and hunger were vital tonight,” Clement said.
Clement Praises ‘Winning Mentality’
The Rangers boss emphasized the need for consistency:
“Whether it’s Dumbarton or Manchester United, our mentality should remain the same. We’re building a culture where every game matters.”
Match Stats and Milestones
- Rangers scored four or more goals in a European away game (excluding qualifiers) for the first time since beating Borussia Dortmund 4-2 in 2022.
- Nice conceded three first-half goals in a European match at home for the first time in their history.
- Vaclav Cerny has now contributed five goals in his last three Europa League appearances.
Looking Ahead
The win propels Rangers into the automatic progression spots, with Clement’s men now aiming to replicate their European form domestically. For Nice, the loss highlights their ongoing struggles in Europe, extending their winless streak in the competition to nine games.
As Rangers continue their resurgence under Clement, this emphatic victory serves as a reminder of their potential on the big stage. Fans will hope the brilliance on display in Nice becomes the standard moving forward.
