Europa League Victory: Hamza Igamane’s Brace Lifts Rangers Amid Philippe Clement Pressure

Rangers won 4-1 against Nice in a Europa League match, relieving pressure on manager Philippe Clement. This victory improved their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. Nice initially had a penalty overturned, then fell behind 3-0 by halftime. Rangers’ goals came from Vaclav Cerny, Mohamed Diomande, and Hamza Igamane, who made his first European start. Igamane scored again in the second half after a mistake by Nice defender Pablo Rosario. Badredine Bouanani scored a late free-kick for Nice, providing a consolation goal.

Rangers have not lost in their last seven European away matches, tying the record set by former manager Steven Gerrard in the 2020/21 season. With this win, Rangers climbed to eighth in the standings, a position that could lead to the last 16 of the competition. Next month, Rangers will host Tottenham and then face Manchester United and Union Saint-Gilloise in January.

Clement praised the performance, calling it the team’s best this season. He acknowledged their struggles domestically but said the team is improving as new players adjust. He emphasized the need for continued growth in the coming weeks.

Key Stats:

• Rangers scored four or more goals in a European away match for the first time since February 2022.
• Igamane became the youngest Rangers player to score two goals in an away European match since 1983.
• Rangers scored three goals in the first half of a European match for the first time since November 2018.
• Nice conceded three first-half goals in a European match for the first time in 64 years.
• Vaclav Cerny contributed to five goals in his last three Europa League games (3 goals, 2 assists).