Europa League Group Stage Drama: Lazio, Rangers, Ajax
The Europa League group stage concluded with thrilling matches as Lazio topped their group, Rangers secured a place in the last 16, and Ajax clinched a playoff spot. Discover the key moments from this dramatic night of football.
1/31/20251 min read
⚽ Europa League Drama: Lazio Finish Top, Rangers Sneak into Last 16 & Ajax Secure Playoff Spot
The Europa League group stage concluded with a dramatic night of football, as Lazio topped their group despite a 1-0 loss to Sporting Braga, while Rangers secured an automatic place in the last 16 after a nervy 2-1 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise. Meanwhile, Ajax edged past Galatasaray 2-1, securing a playoff spot in the knockout rounds.
🔵 Rangers Edge Through in Tight Qualification Battle
Rangers needed a win and favorable results elsewhere to secure direct qualification to the last 16. They got exactly that with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise at Ibrox.
⚽ Key Moments:
✅ 21' | Nicolas Raskin - Scored his first goal of the season with a precise header to put Rangers ahead.
✅ 47' | Vaclav Cerny - Marked his return from injury with a powerful strike to double the lead.
✅ 84' | Kevin MacAllister - Pulled one back for Union SG, setting up a tense finish.
🎯 Final Outcome: Rangers finish in eighth place with 14 points and will face Fenerbahce, Twente, Bodo/Glimt, or Anderlecht in the last 16. The draw takes place on Friday.
🏹 Lazio Finish Top Despite Defeat
🇮🇹 Lazio suffered their first European defeat of the season but still topped their group on goal difference over Athletic Bilbao.
⚽ Sporting Braga 1-0 Lazio
🔥 6' | Ricardo Horta - Scored the only goal of the game, firing into the bottom corner from Victor Gomez’s cross.
Despite a strong second-half push, Lazio failed to break through Braga’s defense, but their superior goal difference saw them secure top spot with 19 points.
🇳🇱 Ajax Secure Playoff Spot with Late Win
Ajax leapfrogged Galatasaray into a Europa League playoff position with a 2-1 home win on Thursday night.
📈 The Dutch side needed a victory to progress, and they delivered under pressure.
🏆 Knockout Stage Matchups:
🔹 Rangers await their opponent in the last 16 draw on Friday.
🔹 Lazio advance directly into the next round, benefiting from their goal difference advantage.
🔹 Ajax will compete in the Europa League playoffs for a chance to make the final 16.
🔜 All eyes now turn to the draw! Who will face who? Stay tuned for updates!