UCL Play-offs: Cyriel Dessers shines in Rangers and PSV draw

UCL Play-offs: Cyriel Dessers shines in Rangers and PSV draw

Faruq Ibrahim 22:02 - 22.08.2023

Cyriel Dessers assists twice as Rangers draw the first-leg of their Champions League play-off clash against PSV Eindhoven.

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers set up two assists for his Rangers teammates in their 2-2 draw against PSV Eindhoven. 

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The Gers hosted the first-leg of the Champions League qualification play-off double-header at Ibrox and sought to grab an advantage in the form of a win going into the second-leg in the Netherlands next week. 

Despite Rangers taking the lead on two separate occasions, the visitors clawed their way back to earn a hard-fought draw.  

Dessers and his teammates will be grateful the away goal rule has been abolished and will look to finish the job at the Philips Stadion to ensure participation in this season's Champions League. 

How it happened 

Ranger defeated Swiss Super League club Servette last week and had the Dutch side as their final hurdle to reach this year's Champions League group stage. 

The hosts played on the back foot for most of the game, with Peter Bosch's side enjoying the bulk of possession but failing to pose true danger. 

Despite the visitors' dominance of possession, it was the Ger who found the opening goal of the game, with Dessers setting up Abdallah Sima for his first assist of the game just before half-time. 

Rangers v PSV Eindhoven UEFA Champions League Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers of Rangers celebrates Abdallah Sima™s goal during the UEFA Champions League Play-Off First Leg match at Ibrox Stadium || Imago
Rangers v PSV Eindhoven UEFA Champions League Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers of Rangers celebrates Abdallah Sima™s goal during the UEFA Champions League Play-Off First Leg match at Ibrox Stadium || Imago

PSV were even more aggressive in the second 45, and their attacks looked more purposeful. They soon reaped rewards just around the hour mark when the highly sought-after Ibrahim Sangare got on the end of a Johan Bakayoko delivery. 

Dessers pulled his team ahead once more in the game, whipping a beautiful curved pass into the path of Rabbi Matondo. The Wales international took it in stride and finished brilliantly past Walter Benitez. 

Only four minutes later, former Barcelona striker Luuk de Jong heroically drew the game level. 

Both teams pushed for the win, but neither could find the luck. They will have to settle it in the second leg in the Netherlands. 

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