Alfredo Morelos’s strike counted for nothing as Steven Gerrard’s Rangers lost to Young Boys of Bern in the Europa League on Thursday.
Young Boys coach Gerardo Seoane admitted he was thrilled to see his side pull off a dramatic late win against a Rangers team full of ‘quality’ on Thursday night in the Europa League, while speaking to SRF.
It looked for all the world that Steven Gerrard’s Gers would follow up their hard-fought matchday one victory over Feyenoord with another three point haul in Bern.
Alfredo Morelos opened the scoring late in the first half in typically bullish fashion, leaving a defender sprawling on the floor before slamming home.
But, after being denied a stonewall penalty and once Morelos was somehow kept off the score sheet again by an amazing reflex save from Young Boys goalkeeper David von Ballmoos, Rangers were left to rue a late collapse which left then pointless in Switzerland.
Two crucial mistakes from captain James Tavernier cost the visitors dear as goals from Roger Assale and Christian Fassnacht, the latter beating Allan McGregor at his near post in the 93rd minute, left Young Boys celebrating a famous and unexpected win.
“It was not all good, the opponent has a lot of quality,” Seoane said after the game.
“A huge compliment to the team for the mentality and for the players going where it hurts. I am very proud of the team.”
He should be proud too. Young Boys showed plenty of character to respond in the second half while Gerrard’s team failed to make their superiority count.
This felt like a missed opportunity for Rangers. They cannot afford a repeat if they want to play European football after Christmas.
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