Rangers v. Lyon

Game Review
Rating: *** (out of four)
Medium of Choice: ESPN Gamecast Live Updates

Pity Gers. Is it right and just that Celtic limply lose in Milan and ooze through to the last sixteen while Rangers, who only had to beat resurgent Lyon at the scabby hell-hole that is Ibrox, get hided three-nil and knocked out? Well yes actually. Benzema was the player of the night, who tore all sorts of strips off the well-organized but cynical Presbyterians. Rangers worked possession well in spots, particularly at the start of the second half, but in their desperation conceded two to Benzema at the death and sealed their fate.

All in all it was a fun scrap. Govou’s opener silenced the infamous 17th man at Fortress Ibrox, and then Rangers suddenly had to do something they so dearly hate: go and score a goal or two at home. From that point it was a bouncey affair, with a few sterling chances headed Lyon’s way and one for Darcheville too. I left before the last bit came, and the scoreline may have been a harsh on Walter Smith’s side even with Lyon’s chances, but if you score you score. Rangers will have to swallow this one at least until Celtic loses 6-0 in the first leg of the round of 16.