Rangers beat wasteful Union Saint-Gilloise to squeak into automatic places
Excellent finishes from Nico Raskin and Vaclav Cerny saw Rangers past an Union Saint-Gilloise punished for their lack of composure. With Bodo/ Glimt held by Nice, Philippe Clement’s side took the all important eighth and automatic spot. After a frenetic opening, Raskin broke the deadlock for the home side. Meeting a sumptuous James Tavernier cross to score just his second goal for the club. Meet a cut-back from Cyriel Dessers, Cerny doubled the lead with a neat finish as Rangers looked to hold on for the win. However with minutes to go Kevin Mac Allister pulled one back for the Belgian side with excellent technique to see his header dip over Jack Butland, caught too far off his line to ensure a nervy end to the game. Cerny came inches from adding Rangers’ third with his thundering effort from distance rattling the post. Saint-Gilloise will no doubt rue their profligacy, Mohammed Fuseini missing a glaring opportunity after a fine cut-back had put the goal at his mercy. Finishing from the visitors became increasingly dire in the second half. Having rounded a helpless Jack Butland, Fuseini saw his goalbound shot blocked by James Tavernier before Franjo Ivanovic made a meal of the rebound by dinking the ball over the net. English defender Ross Sykes could do no better despite finding himself unmarked at the back post of a corner, heading the ball well over the bar. In the dying moments of the game Kevin Rodriguez hashed what could have a been the equaliser, lack the requisite cold blood in front of goal and instead directing the shot over with Sykes following suit not long after as Rangers breathed a huge sigh of relief. Looking for a goal of his own, Hamza Igamane raced onto a through ball but could not direct the shot on target. Both sides were denied goals by the offside flag, Ivanonic first for Saint-Gilloise before Dessers saw his own finish chalked off. Making his first start in Europe since Giovanni van Bronckhorst governed the touchline, Leon King could have suffered no worse luck than he did when a head knock forced him off after just fourteen minutes. Line-ups: Rangers: Butland, Jefte, Propper, Tavernier (c), King (McCausland 14), Raskin, Diomande, Bajrami (Nsio 80), Igamane (Lovelace 80), Cerny (Souttar 63), Dessers Unused subs: Curtis, Hutton, Munn, Kelly, Lawrence, Rice Booked: McCausland, Igamane, Diomande, Raskin, Propper Goals: Raskin (20), Cerny (55) Union Saint-Gilloise: Moris (c), Sykes, Leysen, Mac Allister (Rasmussen 91), Niang, Khalaili, Vanhoutte, Sadiki, Van de Perre (Ait El Hadj 30), Fuseini (Rodriguez 69), Ivanonic Unused subs: Asri, Berradi, Chambaere, Imbrechts Booked: Leysen Goals: Mac Allister (83) Referee: Damian Sylwestrzak
Club-by-club midseason review by fans Part 1: Aberdeen to Hibs
As the January transfer window approaches its final days, we get a fans’ perspective on their club’s season so far. Aberdeen (by @aberdeenfc83) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? I think the season has gone alright so far. In a race for third in our manager’s first season in Scotland, but considering where we were at the start of the season, I’ve got to be disappointed with where we are now. I expect to finish 4th this season along with a good run in the Scottish Cup. 6/10 Star players/ flops I would say the star players of Aberdeen’s season so far would be Pape (Gueye), even though he has been injured and Nicky Devlin, who was probably our most consistent performer during that winning run at the start of the campaign. Biggest surprise of the season so far? My biggest surprise of the season so far would be Shayden Morris. He looked like he didn’t have a future at Aberdeen last season, but this season he has been a sensational asset to bring off the bench. Best/ worst away fans? The best away fans I’ve seen at Pittodrie would be PAOK (from Greece), when I walked into the stadium about half an hour before kick off, the away end was packed and making noise. The worst away fans would probably have to be either Ross County or Livingston. How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? Aberdeen have done pretty well in the transfer window. We’ve signed Tobers, Jensen, Dorrington and Okkels. However, we do still need a striker. One player you would take from another Premiership side? I would take Lyall Cameron from Dundee. We have been linked with a move for him which I am pleased about. Celtic (by Aidan and Mack Kelly: Scottish Football Covered Podcast) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? So far, it’s been nearly perfect. The only real disappointment was the level of performance at Ibrox. The improvement in Europe has been so satisfying to see as that’s always been that illusive piece of the puzzle. Going forward, I would like to see us complete the domestic treble, and make a good showing in Europe. 9.5/10 (Mack) Star players/ flops Nicolas Kuhn probably been standout so far this season. Arne Engels been excellent recently too proved doubters wrong, Cameron Carter-Vickers always up there and Kasper Schmeichel been a great signing. Not many flops if any, would have to say Luis Palma. (Aidan) Biggest surprise of the season so far? Has to be Celtic making Champions League knock-out football finally, but Kyogo leaving is up there now. (Aidan) Best/ worst away fans? Hard to say about away fans since they’re tucked away in a corner and the allocation is so small. Best domestically Aberdeen in the 2-2 draw, but Young Boys were very good aswell. Would be harsh to say Ross County worst so will go RB Leipzig. (Aidan) How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? January has been quiet, which is typical last minute of Celtic. The signing of Jota has been a welcomed surprise but it’s bittersweet as it sees Kyogo go the other way, which was so unexpected considering he’s still in great form as well. Hopefully Kieran Tierney can get up the road this month rather than the end of the season, and we sign Mathias Kvistgaarden (Brondby) or some sort of Craig Bellamy/Robbie Keane loan signing for some firepower. (Mack) One player you would take from another Premiership side? I would sign Lennon Miller. The sky is the limit for him and would fit the homegrown quota. Although if I’m being honest, there’s a solid argument to suggest his development would very well be best suited elsewhere, but if the right compromise can be met, I would love to see us sign him and avoid another John McGinn scenario. (Mack) Dundee (by Jackie) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? I feel Dundee’s season has been very inconsistent. We’ve had some real good days and some really bad days. I feel the loss of Luke McCowan has had an impact on the team and the team had to try to adjust without him. I feel that this has taken some time and we are still struggling a bit. We have had some really good results recently and long may that continue. We have also had a good few injuries recently and have still come out with a point against each of the old firm at home and beat Utd in the cup. We were very unlucky against them at New Year. I hope as our injured players return we can only get better. 7/10 Star players/ flops Mo Sylla has been outstanding! Player of the season for me! Also Josh Mulligan! We need to get them signed up quickly. I don’t like to say who our flops are as it’s a team and I genuinely can’t pick someone, however, Jon McCracken has had some seriously questionable games! Biggest surprise of the season so far? At the start of January after being beaten by our rivals & looking at our fixtures, I had us bottom of the league & out of the Scottish Cup by the end of January! They definitely proved me wrong! Best/ worst away fans? Best – Dundee Utd, as much as I don’t like them for 90 mins, the atmosphere is the best from both sets of fans! Worst – Celtic/Rangers – I’m not fond of their song choices or when they try to set our stand on fire… How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? Not too bad I’m happy! We got Aaron
Celtic’s Champions League Prize Money: A Huge Financial Boost
Celtic have secured a total of €46,683,265 from their participation in the Champions League group stage, providing a significant financial boost to the club. This sum comes from UEFA’s prize money allocation, including participation fees, performance-based earnings, and market share revenue. However, the potential rewards don’t stop there. If Celtic manages to progress beyond either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, they will receive an additional €11 million, further increasing their earnings from the competition. This injection of funds could play a crucial role in strengthening the squad, improving club infrastructure, and maintaining domestic dominance. While advancing in the tournament will be a challenge, the financial incentives make it a high-stakes opportunity for Celtic. Fans will be hoping that the team can defy the odds and secure even greater success in Europe.
Rangers vs Union Saint-Gilloise: Key Stats and Preview
Rangers will be looking to continue their impressive home record against Belgian opposition when they face Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League. The Scottish side has won all six of their previous home matches against Belgian teams, with a dominant aggregate score of 20-7. Their most recent encounter ended in a 3-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise in the 2022-23 Champions League qualifiers. Union Saint-Gilloise, however, will be eager to turn the tide. The Belgian side has lost three of their four encounters with Scottish clubs, but they can take confidence from their 2-0 home win against Rangers in August 2022. Ibrox has proven to be a fortress for Rangers in the Europa League group stage, with the club losing just twice in 18 home matches (W10 D6). However, both of those defeats came at the hands of Lyon—once in September 2021 (2-0) and more recently in October 2024 (4-1). Union Saint-Gilloise have shown promise on their European travels, winning three of their last five major away matches (L2). This marks a significant improvement, matching the number of away wins they had achieved in their first 16 games in European competition (W3 D4 L9). A key player to watch will be Franjo Ivanovic, who has been in prolific form for Union Saint-Gilloise. He has netted a brace in each of his last two Europa League outings, bringing his tally to four goals in the competition. Only Victor Boniface (6) and Roger Van Cauwelaert (5) have scored more for the club in major European tournaments. With Rangers’ strong home form and Union Saint-Gilloise’s improving European record, this promises to be an exciting contest at Ibrox. Can Rangers maintain their dominance over Belgian teams, or will Union Saint-Gilloise spring a surprise?
Aston Villa 4-2 Celtic: Morgan Rogers sends hosts through to Champions League last 16 while Hoops face play-off
Morgan Rogers’ Hat-Trick Fires Aston Villa into Champions League Last 16 as Celtic Face Play-Off Hurdle Aston Villa secured their place in the Champions League last 16 with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Celtic at Villa Park, thanks to a sensational hat-trick from Morgan Rogers. The Premier League side surged into an early lead, but Celtic showed resilience before ultimately falling short. While Villa march on, the Hoops must now navigate a play-off to keep their European hopes alive. Rogers’ Rapid Start Stuns Celtic From the opening whistle, Unai Emery’s side wasted no time asserting dominance. Morgan Rogers delivered an electric start, netting twice in the first five minutes to put Villa in control. The 21-year-old forward, who has been a rising star under Emery, capitalised on defensive lapses to leave Celtic shell-shocked. However, Brendan Rodgers’ men refused to buckle under the early onslaught. Adam Idah, leading the line in Kyogo Furuhashi’s absence, spearheaded the visitors’ fightback. The Irish striker struck twice before half-time, stunning the home crowd and restoring parity in a pulsating first half. Watkins Restores Villa’s Lead Amid Penalty Drama Villa responded swiftly after the break, with Ollie Watkins firing the hosts back in front. The England international, fresh off transfer speculation following a rejected bid from Arsenal, showcased his attacking prowess to edge Villa ahead. Watkins had the chance to put the game to bed from the penalty spot but blazed his effort over the bar, offering Celtic a lifeline. Yet, their hopes were dashed when Dane Murray, making his Champions League group stage debut for the Hoops, gifted possession to Watkins. The striker unselfishly squared for Rogers, who coolly slotted home to complete his hat-trick and seal Villa’s place in the knockout stages. What’s Next for Both Sides? With the victory, Aston Villa progress to the last 16, where they will face one of Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting, or Club Brugge. The club’s European resurgence under Emery continues, as they now set their sights on making a deep run in the competition. For Celtic, the road to the knockout rounds just got tougher. They must now overcome either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in a high-stakes play-off to extend their Champions League campaign. Despite the setback, their spirited performance at Villa Park showed promise, and Rodgers will be keen to rally his squad for the crucial challenge ahead. Villa fans will celebrate their club’s continued European adventure, while Celtic supporters will anxiously await the play-off draw, knowing their fate hangs in the balance.