UCL Qualifiers: Cyriel Dessers scores for Rangers in win over Servette

Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers scored on his second appearance for Glasgow Rangers in their UEFA Conference League third qualifying round first leg tie 2-1 win over Servette.

While Cyriel Dessers was named in the starting XI, compatriot Leon Balogun who returned to Rangers in the summer transfer, was named on the bench for a second straight game.

Rangers were awarded a penalty five minutes into the match and James Tavernier stepped up to convert to gift the Scottish side the early lead against Swiss Club Servette.

Dessers then made it 2-0 in the 15th minute as he connected to an inviting cross from Croatia’s Borna Barisic to finish at the back post for his first competitive goal for Rangers.

Servette were offered a lifeline when a VAR check led to a penalty kick In the last minute of the first half following a handball incident involving Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers.

Match Referee Donatas Rumsas was called over to review action after a free-kick for the visitors appeared to come off the hand of Dessers inside the box.

Chris Bedia scored the spot kick for Servette with a low left footed effort beyond Jack Butland in the Rangers goal to halve the deficit for the Swiss side.

Glasgow Rangers will travel to Switzerland for the return leg vs Servette which is scheduled for Tuesday, 15th August, 2023.