Rangers win group with 2-0 win over Lech Poznan in Poland

Rangers clinched a seeded spot in Monday’s Europa League final 32 draw by beating Lech Poznan in Poland to win Group D.

Itten scored before the break and Hagi headed at the goal line after Connor Goldson’s header bounced off the crossbar.

As well as preventing clubs from falling out of the Champions League in the next round, Rangers also charge a bonus of £ 900,000 for winning their group in addition to £ 515,000 for qualification.

Midfielder Bongani Zungu had his second start for Rangers when Steven Gerrard made seven changes and the South African got an early booking.

Lubomir Satka headed in when he should have scored when Poznan threatened a second ball in a corner.

Itten had a shot blocked by Jakub Kaminski moments before the Swiss striker recovered Kaminski’s terrible touch for the first goal.

He faced Dorde Crnomarkovic on the inside right channel and beat goalkeeper Filip Bednarek at his near post.

Itten’s delicious touch sent Hagi through, the Romanian’s shot went wide, and Hagi’s next effort early in the second half was picked up by Bednarek.

Jon McLaughlin was having a quiet night in goal for the Rangers but made a good save to deflect Tymoteusz Puchacz’s free throw.

And it was a set piece at the other end that gave the Rangers some breathing space when Borna Barisic’s free kick from the right was helped to the bar by Goldson and Hagi made sure the bouncing ball crossed the line.

Hagi was in the mood and put Bednarek to the test with a push-up shot moments later.

Man of the Match – Glen Kamara

What did we learn?

With so many changes, it took the Rangers a while to adjust to the game, but the new staff were soon able to continue the tactics and style that Gerrard has used to great effect so far this season.

Itten and Hagi have had limited opportunities so far this season, but both defended their inclusion with goals and very good play throughout.

Nathan Patterson, making his first start this season, has a job on his hand displacing captain and top scorer James Tavernier, but the teenage right-back showed a solid showing before the Englishman took over for the final 25 minutes.

Match statistics

• Rangers are unbeaten in their last 10 Europa League group stage matches (five wins and five draws).
• In all competitions in 2020/21, they won 22 and tied four of their 26 games, keeping 20 clean sheets.
• Lech Poznan have lost six of their last seven Europa League games.
• Itten scored his third goal for the Rangers in all competitions, and his other two came in the same game against Motherwell in September.
• Hagi has been involved in four goals in five Europa League starts for Rangers (3 goals, 1 assist).

Whats Next?

The Rangers return to Scottish Premiership action on Sunday against Dundee United in Tannadice (12:00 GMT).