Rangers left with work to do after narrow win over 10-man Servette

Rangers left themselves with work to do to see off Servette after a narrow 2-1 win over the Swiss side in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round at Ibrox.

Skipper James Tavernier scored a penalty in the sixth minute before striker Cyriel Dessers knocked in a second eight minutes later for his first Gers goal.

The Light Blues were in command but, just before the break, Servette attacker Chris Bedia reduced the deficit from the spot after the VAR intervened to flag up a Dessers handball.

Servette’s hapless David Douline, who conceded the penalty for a foul on Todd Cantwell, was sent off in the 59th minute for picking up the second of two yellow cards for a foul on the Light Blues midfielder to leave his side with 10 men for more than half an hour.

However, the resolute visitors prevented further damage and will fancy their chances of turning the tie around in Switzerland next Tuesday night.

Michael Beale was under some early pressure after losing 1-0 to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in the cinch Premiership opener on Saturday, where six of his nine new signings made their debut and this will not have helped his cause.

Changes were required following the dismal performance in Ayrshire and Beale brought in Cantwell, Ryan Jack and Danilo for John Lundstram, Kieran Dowell and Abdallah Sima.

The visitors had eight players missing through either injury or suspension. If that offered hope to Gers fans so did the early penalty awarded by Lithuanian referee Donatas Rumsas after Cantwell was clumsily challenged by Douline inside the penalty area.

Tavernier slammed the spot kick down the middle with Servette keeper Joel Mall diving to his left and Ibrox was energised.

Defender John Souttar instigated Gers’ second