Sturm Graz 2-1 Rangers Player Ratings: Christensen Rated 9.5/10 as His Heroics Secure Narrow 2-1 Victory

What a chaotic and thrilling night of Europa League football we just witnessed. Sturm Graz emerged with a 2-1 victory over Rangers, but that scoreline barely scratches the surface of this story. From our perspective this was a classic tale of clinical finishing versus relentless, but ultimately fruitless, pressure.

Sturm Graz were lethal in the first half. They capitalized on their chances with ruthless efficiency. A fantastic early strike from Tomi Horvat and a second from Otar Kiteishvili put them in a commanding position before the break. They looked comfortable and in total control.

But Rangers came out for the second half like a team possessed. Djeidi Gassama's goal almost immediately after the restart ignited a fire, and from that moment on, it was an onslaught. The visitors threw everything they had at the Graz goal, only to be met by a goalkeeping performance for the ages from Oliver Christensen. He was, simply put, a wall. Rangers will travel home wondering how they didn't get at least a point from this game.

Here are Sturm Graz Vs Rangers Player Ratings

Rangers Player Ratings vs Sturm Graz

Here are Rangers Player Ratings vs Sturm Graz

Goalkeeper

Jack Butland - 5.5: A tough night for the Rangers keeper. While he made seven saves, some of them quite sharp, the error leading to a goal is a massive black mark on his performance. He looked a bit shaky and was let down by his defense for the two goals he conceded. He wasn't awful but it's a performance he'll want to forget quickly.

Defenders

James Tavernier - 7.0: The captain was a whirlwind of activity as always. He had a staggering 110 touches and was a constant outlet, creating four chances for his teammates. However, what stood out to us was the 27 times he lost possession, far too many for a player of his quality. A very mixed bag of a performance from the right-back.

John Souttar - 8.0: From our perspective, Souttar was Rangers' best outfield player. For a center-back to have three shots with two on target is remarkable, showing his determination to drag his team back into the game. He was a rock at the back with 8 clearances and won most of his duels. A commanding display despite the result.

Derek Cornelius - 6.5: A solid and aggressive performance before his unfortunate injury. He was a nuisance in the opposition box on set pieces and made six crucial clearances defensively. His exit was a blow to Rangers' structure. The yellow card was a result of his all-action style.

Jayden Meghoma - 5.0: A difficult first half for the young defender. He looked a little off the pace and struggled to make a significant impact on the game. It was no surprise to see him substituted at halftime as Rangers needed a different approach. A learning experience for him.

Midfielders

Connor Barron - 6.0: Barron was industrious and combative in the middle of the park. He drew three fouls and was always trying to disrupt Sturm Graz's rhythm. However, he didn't offer much going forward and was eventually substituted. A decent shift but lacked that game-changing quality.

Thelo Aasgaard - 5.5: It just wasn't his night. An error that led to a shot put his team under pressure, and he seemed to lose a lot of his individual battles. We noticed he was often a step behind the play. He worked hard but with little end product before being taken off.

Oliver Antman - 5.0: Almost completely anonymous in the first half. He only managed 30 touches and failed to impose himself on the match in any meaningful way. The halftime substitution was entirely justified. A disappointing showing.

Djeidi Gassama - 7.5: The brightest spark in the Rangers attack. His goal was superbly taken and gave his team hope. He was a constant threat with his dribbling and won eight duels, always looking to take his man on. If his teammates had been on his wavelength, the result could have been different.

Nicolas Raskin - 6.5: A frustrating performance to watch. He provided the assist for the goal which was a moment of quality. But he also lost possession frequently and missed a gilt-edged chance. His energy is undeniable but the final product was sorely lacking.

Forwards

Chermiti - 7.0: The striker will be having nightmares about Oliver Christensen. He did everything right except score. He got into great positions, had four shots with three on target, and even hit the woodwork. It was a tireless performance but one that ended in pure frustration.

Substitutes

Bojan Miovski - 6.0: Came on at halftime but struggled to get into the game. Didn't have the impact Martin would have hoped for.

Max Aarons - 6.5: Added some energy down the right flank and had one decent but wayward shot. Looked more secure than the man he replaced.

Joe Rothwell - 6.0: Brought on to add some control in midfield but the game was too chaotic for him to really influence it.

Mikey Moore - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Danilo - 6.5: Forced a brilliant save from Christensen late on with a shot from distance. Looked sharp in his brief cameo.

Manager

R. Martin - 6.5: His team showed incredible spirit to fight back in the second half. The changes he made at halftime did have a positive effect. However, his side's lack of a clinical edge and defensive fragility in the first half ultimately cost them the game.

Sturm Graz Player Ratings vs Rangers

Here are Sturm Graz Player Ratings vs Rangers

Goalkeeper

Oliver Christensen - 9.5: Man of the Match, and it wasn't even close. This was a goalkeeping masterclass. He made an incredible 10 saves, many of them spectacular, to single-handedly win his team the three points. Rangers just could not find a way past him. An absolutely colossal, heroic performance.

Defenders

Tim Oermann - 5.5: He looked shaky and was a weak link in the Graz defence. He was dribbled past twice and committed a cynical foul that earned him a yellow card. It was a relief for his team when he was substituted. Not his finest hour.

Emir Karic - 6.5: A typically combative display from the full-back. He made some important tackles and tried to support the attack, though his final ball was often lacking. He picked up a deserved yellow card for a late challenge. A solid, if unspectacular, outing.

Dimitri Lavalée - 6.5: Tasked with repelling wave after wave of Rangers attacks, and he did his job for the most part. He made a massive 8 clearances, though his distribution was poor. A no-nonsense defensive performance.

Emanuel Aiwu - 7.0: What stood out to us was his composure under pressure. While others panicked, he remained calm, winning his duels and drawing fouls to relieve the pressure. He was a steadying influence at the back for Sturm Graz.

Midfielders

Jon Gorenc Stankovic - 6.0: The captain had a tough job screening the defense against a rampant Rangers midfield. He made a stunning 11 clearances, showing his defensive commitment. However, he also committed several fouls and looked off the pace at times. A mixed performance.

Otar Kiteishvili - 8.0: Scored a vital second goal with a composed finish. He was tidy in possession and provided a crucial link between midfield and attack before his substitution. His goal proved to be the winner, a decisive contribution on the night.

Tomi Horvat - 9.0: A sensational performance. He opened the scoring with a brilliant strike, then provided the assist for the second goal. He was the creative heart of his team, creating three chances and constantly probing the Rangers defence. A truly dominant display in midfield.

Tochi Chukwuani - 7.5: A true workhorse. We were impressed by his 12 ball recoveries and 8 duels won. He was everywhere in the midfield, breaking up play and protecting his backline tirelessly. An unsung hero for the home side.

Belmin Beganovic - 5.0: A very quiet evening for the midfielder. He missed a big chance in the first half and offered little else before being hooked early in the second. He seemed overwhelmed by the occasion.

Forwards

Maurice Malone - 7.0: Provided a clever assist for the opening goal and was a real handful in the first half. He created three chances for his teammates and his movement caused problems. He faded as the game went on and was eventually substituted.

Substitutes

Jacob Peter Hödl - 6.0: Brought on to add fresh legs but didn't see much of the ball.

Seedy Jatta - 6.0: Ran the channels but had little service to work with.

Jeyland Mitchell - 6.0: Added another body to the defence to help see out the win.

Leon Grgic - 6.5: Looked lively and forced a good save from Butland with a decent shot.

Niklas Geyrhofer - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Manager

J. Säumel - 8.0: A perfect game plan. His team was clinical in attack and incredibly resilient in defense. He can thank his goalkeeper for the three points but his tactics to absorb pressure and hit on the break worked to perfection. A huge scalp for him in the Europa League.

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