Rangers delivered a remarkable performance, overpowering OGC Nice with a 4-1 victory at the Allianz Riviera in their European matchup. Under the management of Philippe Clement, the team made a significant tactical shift by starting Hamza Igamane—his first European start—while Cyriel Dessers was relegated to the bench. The game began with high energy from Rangers, but an early opportunity for Nice came when a handball by John Souttar initially warranted a penalty. However, after consulting VAR, the referee overturned the call, providing a boost to Rangers’ confidence. The breakthrough for the Scottish side came in the 35th minute when Igamane assisted Vaclav Cerny, who scored with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box. Just three minutes later, Mohamed Diomande extended the lead with a clever chip over the Nice goalkeeper as the hosts faltered defensively.
Rangers did not relent and added a third goal before halftime, thanks to a critical mistake by the Nice defense. Igamane capitalized on a poor back pass, sprinting in to round the goalkeeper Marcin Bulka and finished calmly. Following the halftime interval, Igamane continued his impressive form, scoring his second goal in the 54th minute after skipping past a defender who had struggled throughout the match. The Rangers’ offensive display was relentless, with opportunities for a hat-trick for Igamane, alongside chances for teammates Ridvan Yilmaz and Dessers, showcasing their dominance. As the match drew to a close, Nice managed to mitigate their defeat slightly with a goal from Badredine Bouanani from a free-kick, giving them a consolation goal that broke Jack Butland’s hopes of a clean sheet.
The match highlighted the resurgence of Rangers’ form under Clement, especially as the team has faced challenges in the league. While it took time for Rangers to settle into the game, the confidence surged once they scored. Each mistake from Nice was pounced upon by Rangers, emphasizing their proactive mindset. The decision to start Igamane paid off significantly, echoing a critical moment in Clement’s tactical planning. The combination play and clinical finishing were evident throughout the encounter, rolling back the years of high-scoring games for the Scottish side in Europe.
Player performances were individually impressive, especially that of Hamza Igamane. His contributions in the match not only helped in sealing the victory but also marked a notable moment in his career, validating Clement’s bold decision to play him from the start. The player ratings reflected this, with Igamane receiving a standout score of 9, while teammates like Diomande and Cerny were also rated highly for their impactful performances. Conversely, Nice’s team struggled under pressure, with several players receiving low ratings due to their inability to execute basic defensive tasks effectively.
The match encapsulated a turning point for Rangers, who have struggled with consistency in their league campaign. Scoring four goals in one match illustrates their attacking prowess, something they had been missing earlier in the season, especially in away fixtures. The performance against Nice was a demonstration of what the team is capable of and could be indicative of a resurgence in form as they progress in Europe. As the Rangers fans celebrated their team’s efforts, it became clear that confidence and morale would be crucial in the upcoming matches they face.
Looking ahead, Rangers are set to play St Johnstone in their domestic league before facing Tottenham Hotspur in another significant European tie. For OGC Nice, the focus will now shift to their Ligue 1 match against Lyon and a trip to Union SG in the Europa League, with much to ponder following a disappointing performance at home. As both teams prepare for their upcoming challenges, the lessons learned from this encounter will be vital in shaping their strategies and lineups moving forward. Overall, Rangers’ comprehensive victory serves as a reminder of their potential and rekindles hopes among supporters for a successful European campaign this season.
