Rangers showcased a powerful performance, securing a commanding 4-1 victory against OGC Nice at the Allianz Riviera, with notable contributions from Vaclav Cerny, Mohamed Diomande, and Hamza Igamane, who netted twice. Manager Philippe Clement made a significant tactical change, opting to start Hamza Igamane for his first European appearance and relegating Cyriel Dessers to the bench. Right from the beginning, Rangers demonstrated their attacking intent; however, an early scare loomed when Nice was awarded a penalty following a handball from John Souttar. The situation escalated as referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was instructed to consult VAR. After a lengthy review involving multiple contentious incidents, the initial penalty decision was overturned, granting Rangers a crucial reprieve.
Rangers took the lead in the 35th minute, with Igamane setting up Cerny, whose powerful effort from outside the box rendered Nice’s goalkeeper helpless. This opened the floodgates for Rangers, as they doubled their advantage just three minutes later. Diomande capitalized on a defensive lapse from Nice, cleverly lifting the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper. Determined to maintain their momentum, Rangers ended the first half on a high note, with Igamane intercepting a poor back pass and showcasing deft skill as he rounded the goalkeeper to score and extend their lead to 3-0.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with Igamane scoring his second and Rangers’ fourth goal shortly after halftime, reflecting the visitors’ dominance. The young forward’s pace and awareness allowed him to expose Nice’s defensive frailties once more, demonstrating his impressive form and composure in front of goal. Although he missed an opportunity for a hat-trick when he failed to connect with a cross from Connor Barron, he was influential in dictating the pace and rhythm for Rangers. Teammates Ridvan Yilmaz and Dessers also had their chances to add to the scoreline, indicating Rangers’ continued attacking threat.
Nice, despite being thoroughly outplayed, managed to find a consolation goal late in the match when Badredine Bouanani curled a well-taken free-kick into the top corner. While the goal brought some solace to the home team and their supporters, it did little to alter the outcome of the match, which underscored Rangers’ superior performance. The match also highlighted defensive vulnerabilities for Nice, who will need to address these issues going forward in their league campaign against Lyon and their upcoming Europa League clash with Union SG.
The tactical decision to field Igamane proved to be a masterstroke by Clement, as he thrived under pressure and played a pivotal role in leading Rangers to a resounding victory. Players like Vaclav Cerny and Mohamed Diomande also stepped up, capitalizing on Nice’s mistakes and delivering a formidable team performance. Faced with questions about his starting lineup, Clement received confirmation that the batsmen were ready to make their marks against tough European opposition.
Rangers’ victory not only boosts their confidence but also serves as a clear statement of intent in the Europa League, especially given the context that they scored more goals in this match than they have in any away league encounter this season. This result sets the stage for a captivating encounter, as Rangers shift their focus to the domestic league against St Johnstone, followed by a critical match against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League, where they will strive to maintain their upward trajectory and further build on their performance against Nice.
