In a tense, dramatic game, Cyriel Dessers scored a vital 94th-minute equalizer to secure a crucial first-leg draw for Rangers against Dynamo Kyiv in their Champions League pursuit. Under pre-Clement’s early-season criticism, Philippe Clement’s side battled back after Andriy Yarmolenko’s first-half goal put them on the back foot.
Rangers, after a recent 0-0 draw with Heart of Midlothian, faced similar problems with missed chances and weak defending. However, Dessers scored from close range in the final moments at the Lublin Arena, where the game was moved because of the conflict in Ukraine, securing an important result in Poland.
“We’re not giving up”– Rangers goal scorer warns Dynamo Kyiv ahead of UCL second-leg qualifier
Super Eagles and Rangers striker Cyriel Kolawole Dessers has warned Dynamo Kyiv ahead of their UEFA Champions League second-leg showdown.
The 29-year-old scored a crucial equalizer for Philippe Clement’steam last night at the Lublin Arena in Poland after Andriy Yarmolenko had given the home side the lead.
The Nigerian forward received praise from both his national teammate and club coach. However, he remains focused on the return leg at Hampden Park, knowing the tie is still alive.
“I hope this goal is a very good statement, and this could change the momentum, not only in this tie but hopefully for us also for the coming weeks. We have been working so hard, and maybe you don’t see the results immediately on the pitch, but there has been a lot of work, and moments like this can turn this around. The mentality to keep going until the end is really important; we did it a few times last season as well when we conceded quite early, but we bounced back, and I think that says a lot about the mentality in this team,” the former Cremonese striker said.
Additionally, the former Feyenoord striker considered every Rangers opponent this season, beginning with Kyiv next week.
“We are not giving up; we keep going even if it is against a good team, and then you get rewarded at the end,” Dessers concluded.
The 1.85-meter-tall striker contributed the most goals to the Rangers squad last season but faced heavy criticism for his poor finishing. This season, he’s determined to silence his critics and prove himself.
Hampden Bids for the Decisive Second Leg
The return leg, scheduled for next Tuesday at Hampden Park and broadcast live on BBC Scotland, will take place away from both teams’ home stadiums due to ongoing construction delays at Ibrox. The winner will face either RB Salzburg or FC Twente. Salzburg is currently leading 2-1 as they head into their second leg in the Netherlands.
Dessers Rises as the Hero
Despite a tough start to the season, only one new summer signing, Connor Barron, made it into the Rangers’ starting lineup. This highlights the gradual changes that manager Clement has been pushing for. Disappointing pre-season displays, the draw against Hearts, and the temporary relocation to Hampden have stirred fan discontent.
Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson noted the fans’ low spirits, saying he had “ever seen them as down.” However, a late goal sparked a surge of joy among the small group of traveling supporters, dramatically ending a tense evening.
The Nigerian striker had earlier seen his header skillfully saved by Dynamo’s goalkeeper, Heorhiy Bushchan. Although Bushchan had a mostly quiet night, he could not stop Dessers’ accurate shot from Vaclav Cerny’s cross, which became a key moment in the match.
A Match of Missed Opportunities and Defensive Mistakes
Rangers had several chances, including Ross McCausland hitting the post in the first half and Vladyslav Vanat’s goal being ruled out for offside. Vanat then assisted Yarmolenko’s opening goal after Ridvan Yilmaz lost possession.
Despite struggling with possession and occasional defensive lapses, the Rangers’ relentless effort pressured Dynamo into making mistakes. Clement’s team might leave Poland empty-handed until the recent signing of Cerny, who made an impact from the bench and assisted Dessers’ goal.
Get the Latest Scores! Check out today’s football headlines and updates to stay informed.
Check Updates
