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Glasgow Live
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Alan Galindo

Rangers 0 Napoli 3 as Allan McGregor stands out despite Ibrox defeat - 3 things we learned

Rangers were punished in unfortunate circumstances as they lost out to Napoli at Ibrox.

Returning fans' favourite Allan McGregor denied Napoli from the spot TWICE in a stunning few minutes at Ibrox. And he was inches away from a hat-trick of penalty saves after Borna Barisic was penalised for handball, but was unable to keep Matteo Politano's effort out as the Serie A leaders took control at the top of the group with two wins from two games in the section after a 3-0 success in Glasgow.

The veteran stopper was recalled following Jon McLaughlin's injury by Giovanni van Bronckhorst and he has given the Dutchman a real selection headache after showing his class once again for the Light Blues on the biggest of stages.

READ MORE: Rangers fans pay tribute to Queen with Ibrox tifo display ahead of Napoli Champions League clash

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James Sands was handed his marching orders for two quick yellow cards and in a double punishment was penalised with the referee pointing to the spot. But McGregor twice denied Piotr Zieliński after the first effort was retaken due to a VAR check. The visitors made their numerical advantage count with two further late goals.

Alfredo Morelos also returned in what proved to be a decent showing, despite the result, for the Ibrox men as they still wait to get off the mark in the Champions League with a double-header against Liverpool to come.

Here are three things we learned from the Ibrox clash.

Ibrox factor

What an atmosphere.

The Ibrox cauldron played a huge part in the Europa League run to the final in Seville and it was back tonight.

The packed out full house of loyal Light Blues fans cheered their heroes on with every kick and tackle from start to finish.

Napoli are no mugs and they showed that against Liverpool on their own turf last week.

Numerical advantage played in their favour as they fired two late goals. Score doesn't reflect Rangers' performance.

Age is just a number

Allan McGregor.

What else can you save about the veteran goalkeeper?

Back in for Rangers tonight due to Jon McLaughlin's injury and he's given Giovanni van Bronckhorst a real headache.

Two penalty saves after VAR check from first one allowed retake. Inches away from saving the third from Politano.

Stunning night for the fans' favourite despite the loss and conceding three goals.

Alfie returns

The big moment arrived and his was inches away from following within 30 seconds.

A huge chance with a header that went narrowly wide.

Seems to have got the message from his boss after his PSV snub. Looked lean, fit and raring to go.

Worked hard and put himself about. A sight Rangers team-mates and fans will be delighted with.

Might have not got the fairytale return he wanted but certainly positives to take.

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