Rangers secured a stunning 3-2 victory in Spain on a glory night for Scottish football in Europe.
The Ibrox side opened the scoring early on after good work by Cyriel Dessers released space for Abdullah Sima to blast into the corner.
The lead was short-lived and moments later Miranda burst forward after some slick interchange down the left. The left-back released a stunning angled drive that left Jack Butland with no chance.
A very open game ensued but Rangers once again went in front after a brilliant piece of solo play then finish by striker Cyriel Dessers.
Ayoze Perez restored parity on 37 minutes of a frantic first-half after Ben Davies gave the ball away in a dangerous spot near the halfway line.
Rangers fell back in the second period as Betis surged forward but they went in front against the run of play after terrible defending at a corner allowed substitute Kemar Roofe to prod home three yards from goal.
The Spaniards remained dangerous but the Premiership side defended diligently and held on after five minutes of nerve-shredding injury time.
It means Phillipe Clement's team top Group C and miss the dangerous qualifying tie against Champions League drop outs, instead dropping directly into the last 16.
Incredible night
Rangers have certainly done it the hard way, winning the group after dropping five points to Cypriot minnows Aris. Betis are unbeaten on their home ground this season and have talent worth many more millions of pound. But two wins over the La Liga opposition and four points against Sparta Prauge was enough to ensure Clement's side made it through. On a night when Sunday's fellow cup finalists Aberdeen also won against Eintracht Frankfurt, it's a great night for the Scottish game's coefficient which has taken a battering at times this year.
Dessers has his moment
“It’s the finest moment for Cyriel Dessers in Rangers colours” Dessers puts Rangers back in front! pic.twitter.com/jutAlHQlgD
— The Rangers Review (@RangersReview55) December 14, 2023
The Nigerian striker has had his critics since arriving for £5m in the summer but tonight he gave a glimpse of what he may be capable of with a stunning solo goal. Winning a header near the halfway line that found its way to Jose Cifuentes, Dessers was suddenly haring into space. When the Ecuadorian found him, the striker cut inside before fainting the other way past German Pezzella and slotting through Rui Silva's legs. It was a jaw-dropping moment given his paucity of quality to date in a Light Blue jersey. Perhaps he can still come good, one thing is for sure, this moment of total quality will do his confidence no harm whatsoever.
Tavernier's defensive shortcomings exposed
The captain has shown time and again he's an amazing attacking full-back but it's been obvious for years Rangers can be exposed down his side because of his forward-thinking instincts. Against lesser opposition, Tavernier is good enough to get away with it but take a step up and he can have difficult nights as we saw here in Seville. Both of Betis' first half goals came from his side and with the inexperienced Ross McCausland in front, the La Liga giants got a lot of joy down their left flank.
Isco rolls back the years
The former Real Madrid midfielder may not be the force of old but he can still knock it about with the best of them. Now aged 31, the five times Champions League winner prods and probes in the middle, still capable of delightfully impish flashes - and never gives the ball away. He remains a class act who should still be at the very top level.
