Cyriel Dessers produced a huge moment to give Rangers a deserved draw in their Champions League qualifying round three first leg against Dynamo Kyiv.
It looked like the Light Blues were about to be edged out by a Andriy Yarmolenko goal in Poland, but their dream of reaching the newly-reformed top-tier league phase still remains alive going into next week's second leg at Hampden Park. The winner of this tie will face either RB Salzburg or FC Twente in the play-off, while the loser will drop down into the Europa League
After an even opening exchange, where Rangers hit the woodwork twice and the hosts had a goal ruled out for offside, Rangers' resolve was finally broken on 38 minutes.
The ball was played across goal and it left the Rangers defence totally on the back foot as Yarmolenko tapped in unmarked.
Philippe Clement's men remained competitive in the tie, though, and kept going until the very end to try find that elusive equaliser.
It was the Scottish Premiership side that tried to penetrate the Kyiv box, and it looked as the fourth officials board displayed four additional minutes, that for the second match running Rangers had failed to give the travelling supporters a goal to celebrate.
But wait. Dessers was going to have the last laugh when he reacted instinctively to fire home Vaclav Cerny's pin-point cross in what was virtually the final kick of the game.
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Here's how the Rangers players rated at Arena Lublin...
JACK BUTLAND - 6
Was his usual reliable self in the Rangers goal. A calming presence even if the defence in front of him have been unsettled so far this season. Helpless for Dynamo's opener.
RIDVAN YILMAZ - 5
Now Rangers' undisputed first choice left back after Borna Barisic's departure. He's clearly got potential but needs to form better relationships with whoever is joining him down the flank. Seemed to be exposed more by Wright, but that improved once 20-year-old Jefte was introduced. They both adapted well to the system and looked a preferred combination.
LEON BALOGUN - 6
Replaced Ben Davies in the starting XI and grew into the game as it went on. Positionally him and his centre-back partner didn't cover themselves in glory for Yarmolenko breaking the deadlock, but arguably he will have busier nights - particularly once things calmed down in the second half.
JOHN SOUTTAR - 6
A mixed defensive showing from the former Heart of Midlothian defender, particularly with his involvement in the goal that was conceded.
That's back to back 90 minutes in the tank and he will be eager to have put his previous injury woes behind him.
Showed a lot of resilience especially after the restart to try restrict Dynamo to as few chances as possible. Willing to dig deep and put his body where it hurts. Even though there’s still a case that he needs to improve his distribution and pass accuracy. Plus he was cautioned for a cynical foul late on.
JAMES TAVERNIER - 6
It was a less effective evening than usual for the Rangers captain. Having said that, the experienced defender helped spur his teammates on even when things weren't going their way.
SCOTT WRIGHT - 5
Struggled throughout the first 45 minutes. Got caught up the pitch and left his full-back exposed a few times and it was little surprise that his manager opted to withdraw him at the half-time break. Not cut out for this level.
MOHAMED DIOMANDE - 6
You couldn't question his effort. It will take time to form a strong partnership with Barron, however you can see the understanding beginning to grow and it will be Clement's job to find a way of getting the best out of both midfielders.
CONNOR BARRON - 6
Went about his business quietly but often effectively by keeping the ball ticking in midfield and covering every blade of grass.
Still clearly has aspects he must improve on, but it seems he will have the capacity to play a Ryan Jack-type role in the team.
TOM LAWRENCE - 6
Had an early shot at goal that stung the gloves of the Dynamo Kyiv goalkeeper. The Welshman is evidently a clever footballer but at times, he was ineffective in his role. A new number 10 has got to be on Clement's summer transfer list if Rangers are going to be competitive this season.
ROSS MCCAUSLAND - 7
Introduced into the starting XI and didn't look out of place on the European stage. The Ibrox youngster displayed confidence to have an effort at goal and showed evidence that he can build on his breakthrough campaign from last time out.
CYRIEL DESSERS - 8
Made several runs in behind and worked hard to try provide Rangers with an out ball. He was really unlucky not to score during the first half after hitting both the crossbar and the post with chances. And the Nigerian striker came close with a glancing header during the early moments of the second half.
It seemed that it just wasn't going to be for Dessers before he showed his clinical touch by powering home Cerny's delivery to give Rangers a perfect chance of progressing through the tie in Glasgow next week. Could he finally be winning over the doubters?
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SUBSTITUTES
JEFTE - 6
Provided Rangers with a better balance once he was introduced into the team - replacing the invective Wright. Always looked up and was willing to drive forward with the ball at speed. Appears to be a shrewd piece of business.
VACLAV CERNY - 7
Made the difference with a quality ball for Dessers to equalise. Can see what he will bring to the Rangers XI when fully up and running.
DUJON STERLING - 5
Rangers' Mr.Versatile knows what's expected of him no matter where he fills in. He displayed tenacity and gave Clement's side extra legs to help shoot down their Ukrainian opponents.
KIERAN DOWELL - 4
Introduced for the final 10 minutes. Didn’t really do anything of note. Will want to get more minutes this time around compared to his debut season at Ibrox.
