Kulusevski rescues Spurs to deny Rangers victory in Europa League


Dejan Kulusevski rescued a point for Tottenham on Ange Postecoglou’s Glasgow return in an entertaining 1-1 draw with Rangers in the Europa League.

The former Celtic manager arrived at Ibrox with an out-of-form, injury-hit side and was fortunate to leave without defeat after an unconvincing performance that leaves them winless in five games.

Postecoglou brought Kulusevski on at half time and he fired into the bottom right corner at the end of a well-worked move to keep Spurs in the hunt for automatic qualification, but they still needed a superb late save from Fraser Forster to deny Cyriel Dessers a winner.

Rangers had led when Hamza Igamane tucked home from James Tavernier’s smart pass behind the Tottenham defence just two minutes into the second half, and had the ball in the net late on when Dessers turned in from an offside position.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 12: Rangers Hamza Igamane celebrates scoring to make it 1-0 during a UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur at Ibrox Stadium, on December 12, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)
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Hamza Igamane celebrates scoring to put Rangers ahead

The hosts deserved to be ahead having had the better of the first half. Forster tipped over Nedim Bajrami’s shot and also denied Vaclav Cerny twice.

The visitors had only one shot on target – a tame effort from close range – during the first half, with the misfiring Timo Werner lacking confidence in front of goal, while the offside Brennan Johnson was somehow denied by Jack Butland’s point-blank save.

Rangers were dealt a blow when John Souttar was forced off injured in the 35th minute but they head into Sunday’s League Cup final against Celtic with confidence after another promising display.

Kulusevski: Everyone needs to do more

Dejan Kulusevski equalises for Tottenham against Rangers at Ibrox
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Dejan Kulusevski equalised for Tottenham against Rangers at Ibrox after coming off the bench

Tottenham goalscorer Dejan Kulusevski speaking to TNT Sports:

“Rangers played very well, we struggled a bit. We didn’t play well enough to win the game. Rangers played a perfect game, it’s a beautiful stadium, the fans helped them a lot.

“I wanted to change something, to make something happen and I succeeded once but not enough today. It’s always important to score but we’ve got to start winning games now. It’s time to win on Sunday.

“Everybody needs to do a little more than we’re doing now.”

What’s coming up in the Europa League?



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