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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Christopher Jack

Abdallah Sima savours Champions League occasion after Rangers strike against PSV

Abdallah Sima is determined to kick on at Ibrox after opening his Champions League account with a stunning strike against PSV Eindhoven.

The Senegalese produced a moment of magic to give Michael Beale’s side the lead on Tuesday evening as he curled a wonderful finish beyond keeper Walter Benitez from the edge of the area.

Sima saw his goal cancelled out by Ibrahim Sangare before a Luuk de Jong header denied Rangers the win after Rabbi Matondo had netted in the second half.

And the 22-year-old savoured the atmosphere and the occasion after an enthralling 90 minutes that leaves the play-off round tie finely poised heading into the return in Eindhoven next week.

Sima said: “I feel good. I managed to score in the Champions League here at Ibrox – I wanted to score here, and I am very happy to score.

“Yes, that will really help me and help the team. I wanted to do my best for the team and [on Tuesday night] I gave everything for the team. 

“Now I have got to experience playing but it was not easy for me at first because I really only knew a few guys here. I am happy to be in the squad now and delighted to be here.”

Rangers stand just one game away from a place in the group stage for the second consecutive season as they bid to repeat their triumph at the Philips Stadion 12 months on from a dramatic European win.

Peter Bosz’s side will be favourites to progress but Rangers are rightly confident that they can rise to the challenge against the Eredivisie giants.

Sima said: “We do not have a choice. If we want to play in the Champions League we have to win the second game - so we are focused on that. 

“It will not be an easy game because PSV are a very good team, so we have to focus on what we can do and do our best to qualify. I think they have some big, big, big players – whether it is at home or an away game.”

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