Rangers held by Aris to leave Europa hopes in the balance
Having tasted victory just once on their last 11 UEL trips, a return to Ibrox was welcomed by the Rangers fans. Nonetheless, visiting full-back Cajú was the first to pose a goalscoring threat, testing Jack Butland’s reflexes with a fierce strike from range.
The hosts grew into the match as Todd Cantwell combined well with John Lundstram, who arrowed an effort just wide, but moments after that shot sailed past the post, Rangers were behind.
A ball over the top sent Shavy Babicka through on goal, allowing him to drift past Butland and tuck in the game’s opener against the run of play. The home fans were understandably frustrated, booing off their side as they headed into the interval behind.
Needing a response, Rangers sparked the contest into life after the break with an almost immediate equaliser. Danilo won the ball high up the pitch before laying off to substitute Ross McCausland, who manufactured a shooting angle and dispatched his first goal in professional football with aplomb.
That goal blew the game wide open as the Scottish side looked to seize the initiative, but with the goal at his mercy, Danilo miscontrolled to allow a golden chance to go begging.
The hosts continued to push for the goal that would confirm their European progression, while Aris knew that anything but a win would spell the end of their UEL journey, leading to an end-to-end finale.
McCausland was proving to be a bright spark, almost creating an opening for a second goal as time ticked away, yet the Cypriot side held on once more.
Ultimately, neither side could find an elusive winner, leaving Philippe Clement’s side to fight it out for a knockout spot in the final group game when they take on group leaders Real Betis Balompié.
As for Aris, four points from two games against Rangers represents a creditable showing for one-time Cypriot champions, whose place at the foot of Group C is now confirmed.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ross McCausland (Rangers)
