Philippe Clement again found sanctuary in Europe as Rangers romped to a remarkable 4-1 win over Nice in France.
Amid domestic struggles which have piled pressure on the Belgian boss, his side again came up with the goods this season in the Europa League.
The home side had an early penalty award overturned and the Ibrox side took advantage with goals from winger Vaclav Cerny, midfielder Mohamed Diomande and striker Hamza Igamane before the break.
The 22-year-old Moroccan, making his first European start, grabbed his second in the 54th minute as the home side’s dismal defensive display deteriorated before Badredine Bouanani reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute.
Clement told broadcaster TNT: “I think if we look at the opponent, yes, because of their strength, I think in Malmo (2-0) against FCSB (4-0), we had also really, really big performances. But knowing the level of Nice, this is probably the best performance this season.
“But the season is still young in a way. We talked a lot about that, about a young squad, a lot of new players in. So it starts to gel together better and better, and they become stronger and stronger, and that’s what we need to confirm in the next weeks and next months.”
Rangers moved on to 10 points from five fixtures and the victory was a real boost to chances of a top-eight finish.
Europa League leaders Lazio were held to a scoreless draw by Ludogorets. The Italian club, who had won all four previous games, were held by the Bulgarian side who came to defend.
They still lead the 36-team table, but only on goal difference from Athletic Bilbao who eased to a 3-0 win over Swedish side Elfsborg thanks to goals from Adama Boiro, Beñat Prados Díaz and Gorka Guruzeta, while Eintracht Frankfurt beat Midtjylland 2-1, with Hugo Larsson putting them ahead early on and Omar Marmoush’s penalty sealing the win.
Anderlecht were denied the chance to move level with Lazio by a 2-2 home draw with Porto, the Belgians twice coming from behind and Francis Amuzu netting four minutes from time to salvage a draw.
Galatasaray are also on 11 points after they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Alkmaar. The Turkish side went ahead after two minutes through Sven Mijnans but a Peer Koopmeiners own goal denied them the win.
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Ajax remained on 10 points and are sixth in the standings after a 2-0 defeat at Real Sociedad, moving the Spanish side up to 16th on seven points.
Lyon ran out 4-1 winners in Azerbaijan against Qarabag, Georges Mikautadze opening and closing the scoring and they are also on 10 points in seventh place.
Maccabi Tel Aviv earned their first victory of the competition with a 3-1 win at Turkish side Besiktas, in a game played in Debrecen, Hungary for security reasons.
At 2-1 down Besiktas had a chance to level but Ciro Immobile’s penalty was saved and Weslley Patati put the Israeli side out of sight 10 minutes from time.
