Malmö FF received an injury and suspension Rangers in the Champions League qualifiers third round at Eleda Stadium. MFF was also not fully in the squad, and solved the injured left-back Jonas Knudsen’s absence by lining up with a back line and skipping fullbacks completely in the starting eleven.
During a first half characterized by a lot of fighting in midfield, it was the guests who got the first goal chance after 19 minutes. Right-back James Tavernier’s post found Scott Arfield in the penalty area, who finished loose and straight on Johan Dahlin. In the attack afterwards, MFF’s first finish came on goal, when right rider Jo Inge Berget turned inwards on the field and forced Allan McGregor to save along the ground.
Towards the end of the half, Rangers came to a couple of good shooting opportunities, where MFF players managed to block the end. MFF looked comfortable with the ball in possession, but did not have the key to unlock a well-organized away defense in the first half.
MFF already found that opening two minutes into the second half. Veljko Birmancevic received a ball on the right side of the penalty area and found with a post to Sören Rieks on the other side. The left rider pulled straight ahead and got on a dream hit on full volley, unattainable for goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
Two minutes later it was time again. A free-kick Colak missed in the ball reception, but behind him Birmancevic ran free and shot in 2-0 via the inside of the post. A shocked Rangers had a very hard time recovering from the goals. It took until the 78th minute before they threatened from inside the penalty area, when the substitute Fashion Sakala shot but saw a finish again covered by the home defender, this time to the corner.
MFF’s high-class efficiency and heroic defensive play also resulted in a victory, but not without avoiding a Rangers reduction. Steven Davies came close to leveling the score 95 minutes into the game, as he was set up with a through ball coming in from the left, but his shot hit the post. 2-1 still means advantage MFF before the return to Glasgow in a week.
Despite the victory, Oscar Lewicki was somewhat dissatisfied after the late goal.
– It goes in luckily, so it’s damn sour when it’s the last thing that happens, he says to MFF Play Premium and has developed about the effort:
– There was a lot of energy from both teams and I think we are doing well. We stand up well in the duels then in others we go out and drive over them and build from it. They create very little over 90 minutes, so it’s a good match.
Startelvor
Malmö FF: Dahlin – Ahmedhodzic, Nielsen, Moisander – Berget, Innocent, Christiansen (K) (exchange 88 ‘), Lewicki, Rieks (88’) – Colak (88 ‘), Birmancevic (73’)
Byten: Nalic (73′), Opponent, Abubakari, Beijmo (88′)
Rangers FC: McGregor – Tavernier (K), Helander, Goldson, Barisic – Arfield, Davis, Lundstram – Wright, Itten (63 ‘), Kent.
Changes: Sakala (63 ‘)
Yellow cards: Barisic (38 ‘), Itten (43’), Moisander (52 ‘), Nielsen (67’), Arfield (70 ‘)
–
