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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Freddie Keighley

Rangers dismantle Borussia Dortmund in famous victory despite Jude Bellingham stunner

Rangers pulled off one of their greatest European victories in recent memory by defeating Borussia Dortmund 4-2 at Westfalenstadion on Thursday evening.

The Gers travelled to Germany in the Europa League play-off stage as huge outsiders up against the Bundesliga giants, whose star-studded line-up included Marco Reus, Jude Bellingham and Mats Hummels.

But they took the lead towards the end of an entertaining first half as captain James Tavernier slotted a penalty past Gregor Kobel following Dan-Axel Zagadou's handball.

The visitors' delight grew moments later as Alfredo Morelos scored his 17th goal of the season with a tap-in following Joe Aribo's flicked-on header.

A 2-0 half-time lead was more than Rangers could have hoped for heading into the match, but their fans found themselves in dreamland as John Lundstram put them three-up four minutes into the second half.

Can Rangers go all the way in the Europa League this season? Have your say in the comments!

Alfredo Morelos scored one and forced and own-goal (REUTERS)

The former Sheffield United midfielder produced a brilliant finish from the edge of the box after brilliant work from Ryan Kent, who was phenomenal throughout.

Dortmund did not go down without a fight and Bellingham summoned an equally-sublime goal at the other end by curling into the far corner just moments later.

However, Rangers soon restored their three-goal cushion as Zagadou suffered yet more disappointment with an own-goal forced by Morelos' shot.

The Gers' fourth was initially ruled out by the assistant's flag but a VAR check confirmed there was no offside infringement in the build-up.

Zagadou was later booked for a poor tackle on Kent as Dortmund left themselves vulnerable to the counter-attack while piling bodies forward in search of their second goal.

The hosts reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute as Raphael Guerreiro, who assisted Bellingham, combined with the England international once again to bend a shot past Allan McGregor.

The Rangers goalkeeper had been booked for time-wasting moments earlier as Dortmund ramped up the pressure and Rangers looked to protect their advantage.

Jude Bellingham scored a fantastic goal but it was a disappointing night for his team (Getty Images)

Former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey was introduced off the bench to help steady the ship, while Manchester United loanee Amad Diallo was an unused substitute on a historic night for Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side.

Rangers will be confident of defending their lead to progress to the last 16 as Dortmund arrive at Ibrox for the return leg next Thursday.

In the meantime, they take on Dundee United aiming to close the one-point gap on rivals Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

Steven Gerrard led Rangers to the title last season before leaving for Aston Villa in November, with Van Bronckhorst arriving as the Englishman's replacement.

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