Abdallah Sima hands Rangers narrow win over Real Betis in Europa League clash

Sima, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, forced another save from Bravo with an effort from the edge of the box, before Matondo missed the target with the final chance of the half.

Rangers came out of the break blazing on all cylinders, with Matondo almost handing his side the lead again, latching on to Sima’s cross, but Hector Bellerin was on hand to clear the danger.

Minutes later, Tom Lawrence unleashed a powerful effort from long range, but the right-hand post denied him a spectacular goal.

Betis were firmly on the back foot, and Manuel Pellegrini’s side had the woodwork to thank once more as Borna Barisic unleashed a well-taken free-kick that could only strike the crossbar.

Sima scored the game-winning goal after being in the right place at the right time to poke the ball into an empty net after a corner produced a commotion in the six-yard box.

Rangers earned maximum points in their Group C opener thanks to Sima’s goal, and Beale’s men will now turn their attention to Sunday’s match against Motherwell.