4 Things We Learned From Rangers’ Stunning Win Over Real Madrid

It may have only been a friendly but any win against 13 time European Cup winners Real Madrid should be celebrated as an achievement.

Rangers dominated for large spells yesterday, and Cedric Itten’s winner 13 minutes from the end of the game was fully deserved.

It will give the squad a big confidence boost heading into their Premiership season opener against Livingston this weekend. So what did we learn from the victory over Real?

Press the next page as we go through four key takeaways from the match.

1) Sakala Impressed

The Gambian international got on the scoresheet against Real but it was his overall performance spearheading the attack that would have impressed observers.

Sakala’s ability to make threatening runs is a godsend to players like Ianis Hagi and Ryan Kent who will be looking to pick him out at every possible opportunity.

2) Kent Looked The Part

The 24-year-old was everywhere in the first half, with his great movement allowing him to get into pockets of space to pick up the ball.

Once in possession, Kent was a constant menace for Real Madrid’s defence, picking out passes and linking up play extremely well. He did miss a couple of good opportunities to score but, when his overall game is this good, it is hard to complain too much.

3) Wright Continues To Stake His Claim

The winger’s work rate and attacking threat from wide areas was on show at Ibrox once more at the weekend. Marcelo simply could not keep up with his opponent, as the Scot pulled him one way and the other.

Wright has looked like an excellent buy ever since he joined from Aberdeen in January and he is now making a strong case for himself to be in the starting eleven when the Light Blues take on Livingston on Saturday.

4) Itten Shows His Value As A Sub Once More

The Swiss international always seems more of a threat when he comes off the bench, and so it proved once again yesterday, as he scored a winner with a neat turn and a firmly hit shot.

Whether he’ll be anything more than a sub this campaign, it seems doubtful. Manager Steven Gerrard has a wealth of options to play in the frontline, including Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe, Jermain Defoe and the aforementioned Sakala so Itten may need to take his chances when he gets them.

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