Spartak Moscow was lucky enough to earn 3 points against the Rangers in Europa League game to retain their dream of progress through the competition.

But early in the game the hosts struggled to push their game plan into fruition as Roman Eremenko scored an own-goal just on 6th minute. Even with a very mediocre game Rangers had no problems holding the attacks by the opposition who forced goalkeeper Allan McGregor to step into the game just once.

But on 21st minute Spartak suddenly restored the equality as forward Lorenzo Melgarejo woke the fans with accurate shot.

Just 4 minutes after Rangers took the lead again as Daniel Candeias easily outplayed Alexandr Maximenko after being literally left alone by the opposition’s defense.

The next right flanked attacking move on 34th minute helped the hosts to equalize once more after the crossed ball suddenly turned into the own-goal by unlucky Connor Goldson trying to clear.

Another 4 minutes later the game once again repeated itself on bizarre manner as Spartak captain Salvatore Bocchetti made a dreadful error led to the third goal. In an attempt to clear the ball Italian defender simply supplied Glenn Middleton with a perfect pass and Scotsman did well to make it 3:2.

Even more, Rangers, warm with the goal, scored yet another effort after rapid counterattack just another 4 minutes later, but it was dismissed by referee due the offside.

After the break hosts dramatically improved as Russian side looked well motivated and organized at the back. After few chances in front, including clear penalty not given by the ref, Spartak leveled the scored for a third time in the game by Luis Adriano on 57th minute.

A minute later hosts stunned Rangers with one more goal that helped them to come from behind for a first time in the game – thanks to a firm shot by Sofianne Hanni as well as the vicious deflection that left McGregor helpless to reach the ball.

Last 20 minutes of the game both sides had a number of chances in the quite nervy game, but the hosts had enough concentration to secure the vital win – 4:3.

  • Spartak Moscow placed 3rd in the Group G while Ranger goes 2nd. Both sides have 5 points on their accounts
  • Villarreal retains top position with 6 points, while Rapid is at the bottom with 4 points.