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Rangers take big step towards Europa League play-offs with win over Midtjylland

Rangers hit four goals in Denmark to take a huge step towards the Europa League play-offs.

Rangers went three up against Midtjylland before emerging from a shaky second-half spell to earn a 4-2 victory in the first leg of the third qualifying round.

The Danes struck two quickfire goals themselves and Rangers looked rattled but Scott Arfield’s calm finish gave them a healthy lead with 20 minutes remaining.

Steven Gerrard made four changes, with Allan McGregor returning from suspension and Jon Flanagan, Glen Kamara and Jordan Jones brought into the team that secured a late victory over Kilmarnock.

Former Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko made a crucial interception as James Tavernier tried to find Morelos, and McGregor pushed Evander’s searching ball past the post.

The Rangers goalkeeper then made a point-blank save from Sory Kaba’s shot after the Danes had won three headers following a long throw into the six-yard box.

Morelos soon grabbed the opener as he got away from his marker to guide home Tavernier’s brilliant swerving cross from seven yards.

Tavernier’s pass got Morelos inside the full-back and Arfield trapped his cutback before passing the ball past a defender and the keeper into the net.

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